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Mercy Care DCS Comprehensive Health Plan

On April 1, 2021, CMDP changed to Mercy Care Department of Child Safety Comprehensive Health Plan, or Mercy Care DCS CHP. Children in foster care are able to get medical, dental and behavioral health services from one health plan, Mercy Care DCS CHP. Covered services for children in foster care remain the same.

These services may include:

Primary and specialty physician care services.
Prescription drugs and medical supplies.
Medical checkups Behavioral health services
Hospital care
Vision services
Dental services

For Members

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Nurse Line

The nurse line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer general medical questions. Call Mercy Care DCS CHP Member Services at 1-602-212-4983 or 1-833-711-0776 (TTY/TDD 711), and select the phone prompt for the Nurse Line.

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Notice to Provider Form

The child’s assigned DCS specialist will give you a Notice to Provider form. Caregiver's can show the form to health care providers and pharmacies, or give them the Mercy Care DCS CHP member ID number. Use this form until a permanent ID card is given to you by the child’s DCS Specialist or custodial agency representative.

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For Providers

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Crisis Hotline

Are you or a loved one in a behavioral health crisis?
Call the Crisis Line 24/7 at 602.222.9444 or 1.800.631.1314.

CLICK HERE for Arizona Crisis Hotlines across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mercy Care DCS Comprehensive Health Plan?

The Mercy Care Department of Child Safety Comprehensive Health Plan (Mercy Care DCS CHP) is the single, statewide health plan, responsible for the physical, dental, and behavioral health services for all Arizona children in foster care.

Where can I find a list of covered health care services?

Covered services are health care services for which Mercy Care DCS CHP pays. This includes physical health and behavioral health care, services, supports, supplies, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, equipment and other services. The Mercy Care DCS Comprehensive Health Plan Member Handbook provides a list of covered health care services. You can access the handbook at https://www.mercycareaz.org/assets/pdf/chp-members/handbook/MercyCareDCS-CHP2021-2022MemberHandbook-ua.pdf.

What is a Prior Authorization (PA)?

A Prior Authorization (PA) is when a provider calls Mercy Care DCS CHP for approval to provide special services. It’s up to the child’s health care provider to get a PA from Mercy Care DCS CHP. Mercy Care DCS CHP reviews the service request from the member’s provider. The provider will tell you if the child’s service is approved.

What should I do if I have a grievance about medical and dental services?

Grievances can be filed at any time verbally or in writing. To file a grievance, call Mercy Care DCS CHP Grievance System Department at 602-586-1719, toll-free at 1-866-386-5794, or fax to 602-351-2300, or email [email protected]. You can also send grievances in writing to Mercy Care DCS CHP, Grievance System Department, 4755 S. 44th Place Phoenix, AZ 85040.

Are behavioral health services available in the home?

Some behavioral health services may be provided in the home rather than in the office. Talk to the child’s behavioral health provider to find out what options are available.

How often does the child in my care need to go to the doctor?

Children and youth in foster care should receive a well-child medical examination, also known as an Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT), within 30 days of removal and placement into foster care. Regular well-child examinations should occur every 12 months thereafter. A child under two years of age will have more frequent wellness exams. Your DCS Specialist or DDD support coordinator will ask you about medical and dental appointments, so it is a good idea to keep records of these.

Who can I contact in a crisis?

For all medical emergencies, dial 911 immediately. If you or a child or youth in your care are facing a behavioral health crisis, you can call one of the Arizona crisis lines listed below. Call anytime, 24/7, for crisis intervention, support and referrals.

Central Arizona Crisis Line (serves Maricopa County):602-222-9444 or 1-800-631-1314 (toll-free) TTY: 602-274-3360 or 800-327-9254
Northern Arizona Crisis Line (serves Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai counties): 1-877-756-4090
Southern Arizona Crisis Line (serves Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties or the San Carlos Apache Reservation): 1-866-495-6735
Gila River and Ak-Chin Indian Communities: 1-800-259-3449
Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community: 1-855-331-6432

How do I locate health providers for the child in my care?

You can select a health care provider from the Mercy Care DCS CHP Provider Directory. The directory includes languages that the provider speaks and services they provide to those with physical disabilities. You can search the list of providers by location, specialty or name. The directory is available on the Mercy Care DCS CHP website at www.MercyCareAZ.org, or call Member Services at 602-212-4983 or 1-833-711-0776 (TTY/TDD 711), to have a copy of the directory mailed to you at no cost.

What pharmacy should I go to?

All prescriptions must be filled at a pharmacy in Mercy Care DCS CHP’s network. If you need pharmacy services after hours, on weekends or holidays, many pharmacies are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. You can find a list of pharmacies in the Mercy Care DCS CHP Provider Directory. Visit www.MercyCareAZ.org and select “For Members” under Mercy Care DCS CHP. You’ll locate “Find a Pharmacy” in the upper right corner of the screen.

What dental appointments does the child need?

Caregivers must schedule a dental examination for each child age 1 year or older as soon as possible but no later than within 30 days of placement. Regular dental checkups should occur every 6 months following the initial dental examination.

More FAQs

Contact Us

Mercy Care DCS CHP Member Service representatives are available to help you with questions, concerns or issues about the child’s health care benefits. They are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 602-212-4983 or 1-833-711-0776 (TTY/TDD 711), or email [email protected].

Mercy Care DCS CHP Member Services can:

Answer questions about health care benefits
Help solve a problem or concern you might have with a doctor or any part of the health plan
Help you find a doctor
Tell you about our doctors, their backgrounds and care facilities
Help you if you get a medical bill
Tell you about community resources available to you
Help you if you speak another language, are visually impaired, need interpreter services, or sign language services

DCS CHP Resource Liaisons are also available to help you with questions, concerns or issues about the child’s health care coordination. They are available Monday-Friday from 8a.m. to 5 p.m. at (602) 351-2245 or 1-800-201-1795 (TTY/TDD 711) or email [email protected].

Arizona Department of Child Safety

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