Community Partner - Assistor Organization Program (CP-AO)

How the CP-AO Program Works


The cornerstone of the CP-AO Program is the HEAplus system, a web-based platform that facilitates the application process for various public assistance programs. Application and correctional assistors from participating organizations use HEAplus to complete applications during interactive interviews with applicants. This process simplifies the application journey, requiring the applicant to only sign the application at the end of the interview.

  • Electronic Data Verification

    One of the key features of HEAplus is its improved access to electronic data sources. This capability allows the system to often verify much of the information required for an eligibility decision automatically. This reduces the burden on applicants to provide extensive documentation and speeds up the decision-making process. However, in instances where electronic sources cannot verify all necessary information, assistors help customers by submitting the required documents electronically to their HEAplus application. This ongoing support ensures that applications are complete and accurate, minimizing delays in processing.

  • Tracking Application Progress

    Assistors have the ability to track the progress of applications through the HEAplus system. This feature allows them to provide ongoing support to their customers, addressing any issues that may arise and ensuring that the application process remains on track. By maintaining visibility over the application's status, assistors can proactively manage the process and provide timely updates and assistance to applicants.

Benefits of the CP-AO Program


The CP-AO Program offers numerous benefits to both applicants and the State of Arizona. By leveraging the HEAplus system and the support of assistors, the program enhances the accessibility and efficiency of the application process for public assistance programs.

  • Improved Access to Services

    The CP-AO Program ensures that Arizonans have improved access to essential public assistance services. By providing support throughout the application process, assistors help remove barriers that may prevent eligible individuals from applying for and receiving the assistance they need. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations who may face challenges in navigating complex application processes.

  • Increased Accuracy and Efficiency

    The use of electronic data verification and the ability to submit documents electronically through HEAplus significantly increase the accuracy and efficiency of the application process. This reduces the likelihood of errors and omissions that can delay eligibility decisions. As a result, applicants can receive timely support, and the state can manage its resources more effectively.

Advantages of Being a HEAplus Community Partner Organization


Being a HEAplus Community Partner Organization comes with a multitude of benefits designed to enhance the application process for public assistance programs. These advantages not only streamline operations for the partner organizations but also provide significant support to applicants within their communities. Some of the key advantages include:

  • Personalized Support: Provide tailored assistance to customers in their own community, making the process more accessible and comfortable for them.
  • Comprehensive Application Process: Assist customers in applying for multiple programs in one seamless process, saving time and effort.
  • Real-Time Verification: Benefit from real-time electronic verification of many eligibility factors, which speeds up the decision-making process.
  • Customized Documentation List: Receive a detailed list of the documents needed from the customer, ensuring that all necessary information is collected efficiently.
  • Secure Document Submission: Electronically submit customer documents to ensure quick and secure receipt, reducing the risk of lost or delayed paperwork.
  • Application Tracking: Track the status of applications, including final eligibility results, without needing to contact state agencies, providing transparency and peace of mind to customers.
  • Workload Management: Access easy monitoring of applications through the Workload Management features, helping to manage and prioritize tasks effectively.
  • Dedicated Support: Access to a specialized call center that helps assistors resolve problems with their applications, ensuring that any issues are handled promptly and efficiently.

The CP-AO Program is a vital initiative that enhances the accessibility and efficiency of public assistance programs in Arizona. By leveraging the HEAplus system and the dedicated support of assistors, the program ensures that eligible residents can apply for and receive the assistance they need with ease. The program's emphasis on electronic data verification, ongoing support, and accurate processing exemplifies its commitment to serving the community effectively. As the program continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in supporting Arizonans in need.

AHCCCS may, in its sole discretion, deny an HEAplus Community Partner Agreement application or a Community Partner Organization User application. Denials may be issued, but are not limited to the following reasons: An owner, managing employee, or user having a conviction related to fraud, waste, abuse, theft, patient harm, or anything related to the safety of individuals

Here are the steps involved in becoming an HEAplus Community Partner Assistor Organization:

  1. Submit a HEAplus Community Partner Application form telling us about your organization and how you would like to use HEAplus. Each organization must have a HEAplus Site Administrator who will control access to the system by your staff. You will need to identify this person on the application form.
  2. Sign a HEAplus Community Partner Agreement with AHCCCS: After we receive your information, we will draft the agreement for your signature and send it to you by e-mail.
  3. User Application Forms: User application forms are required from both the organization and each individual user before account access is approved in the HEAplus system. Links to information about submitting these forms and the required forms are available below.
  4. Initial System Access: The following items must be received from your organization and processed before your organization can start using HEAplus:
    • A signed HEAplus Community Partner Agreement
    • Organization User Application form
    • Individual User Application forms
  5. Complete Training: The CP-AO Team offers initial and ongoing training. HEAplus training is provided through e-learning and web conferences. Ongoing training opportunities are available.
  6. HEAplus Community Partner Agreement Contact Person Update: Active organizations, excluding assistors will use this form to track and record any updates to the contact information of the designated HEAplus Community Partner Agreement Contact Person.

For more information about becoming a Community Partner - Assistor Organization, email the CP-AO Operations team at CP-AOOperationsTeam@azahcccs.gov.

AHCCCS Virtual Assistant (AVA)-If you have a complex question or simply want to chat with someone LIVE, AVA can route you to a LIVE chat specialist for help during business hours. You can find AVA at the bottom right-hand corner of the AHCCCS homepage.

Chat with Sam! AHCCCS launched Sam, a new chat bot on www.healthearizonaplus.gov. Sam can answer more than 30 common questions about AHCCCS renewals.

HEAplus Contact Information-HEAplus website: www.healthearizonaplus.gov.

Customer Support Center Phone Number: 1-855-HEA-plus (1-855-432-7587)

Community Partner- Assistor Organization Communication

CP-AO Call Center Phone Number: 602-542-5802 Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST.

The Community Partner- Assistor Organization (CP-AO) call center is an all inclusive assistor call center. For active assistors, this is a one stop shop now providing HEAplus technical assistance along with other services such as application assistor referrals and more.

The CP-AO call center can assist active assistors with the following:

  • Demographic Changes to Unsubmitted Applications
  • Expedited Emergency Medical Applications. An application may be expedited if it meets the criteria of an Emergency Medical Need as outlined in the Medical Assistance Eligibility Policy Manual.
  • Overdue Application Processing Requests
  • HEAplus Technical Application Assistance

CP-AO Site Administrator Communication

The CP-AO Operations Team will assist the Site Administrators with the following:

  • Account Activation/Password Resets/Training
  • Deactivated or Disabled User Accounts
  • System Navigation and General Eligibility Questions
  • Uploading, Emailing or Faxing Documents

To avoid duplicate submission, the Site Administrator must be the sole contact emailing the CP-AO Operations Team at CP-AOOperationsTeam@azahcccs.gov.

Monitoring your Assistor CP-AO Tickets

You can now monitor the status of your CP-AO tickets from start to finish by signing up with the AHCCCS Service Desk.

Signing up for the AHCCCS Service Desk takes only a few seconds. Follow these quick and simple steps to be in the know!

  1. In your browser, go to https://servicedesk.azahcccs.gov/
  2. Click on "Sign up"
  3. Enter the following requested information. For "Username", enter your email address.
    • Name: First and Last
    • Username: Enter your email address
    • Email: Enter your email address
    • Password: Create a password - Second: Retype password
    • I'm not a Robot: Key the code that displays
  4. Click on "Sign up"

CP-AO Access Quarterly Connect (AQC)-Meeting

Attendance to all AQC is required for a Site Administrator (or a designee) from each Community Partner - Assistor Organization.

AQC is a platform where the CPAO Operations Team shares information and tools that Assistor organizations and Correction Assistors need to be able to successfully process applications in HEAplus. Ask questions relating to the Community Partner - Assistor Organization Program and HEAplus Application Assistance to a panel of experts. Typically there are Special Guest Speakers relevant to the CP-AO program. In addition, Annual Security Training and other training information is also reviewed.

  • Quarterly
  • Takes place on the last Wednesday of the month

Need access to a previous QCA recording?

Site administrators can email: CP-AOOperationsTeam@azahcccs.gov to request access to the recorded QCA meetings. Site administrators can share the link with their active assistors within their organization.

HEAplus Downtime Schedule

Federal data sources used by Health‐e‐Arizona Plus (HEAplus) will not be available during scheduled federal maintenance times. When these federal data sources are not available, HEAplus will not be able to accept your application.

Federal Maintenance

Most Federal maintenance is based on the Eastern Time Zone and is therefore impacted by Daylight Savings time changes. The exact date Daylight Savings Time begins and ends varies a little each year. HEAplus will not be available during the following federal data sources maintenance times:

Daylight Saving Time
(Mid‐March – Early November)
No Daylight Savings Time
(Early November – Mid‐March)
  • Monday through Friday from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am MST
  • Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am MST
  • Monday through Friday from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am MST
  • Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am MST

HEAplus System Maintenance

HEAplus downtime will start earlier on the days the HEAplus System is scheduled for maintenance and production builds:

  • Every Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm MST for HEAplus maintenance
  • Every other Thursday beginning at 7:00 pm MST for production builds

Additional HEAplus Downtime

  • HEAplus may be unavailable for additional periods of time due to AHCCCS systems maintenance, changes in federal maintenance schedules and changes in HEAplus maintenance schedules.
  • We do not always get advance notice of emergency maintenance situations. However, when we know of these maintenance periods in advance, we will issue a Broadcast Message in HEAplus to notify you of the change.
  • Please check for new Broadcast Messages every time you return to your HEAplus home page.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

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