If you’ve ever quenched your evening thirst with a cup of joe and thought, “There’s got to be an easier way to manage EVV,” you’re in good company. Arizona’s EVV deadline update is just around the corner—October 1, 2025.
On this date, Arizona’s Medicaid (AHCCCS) will shift from a “hybrid” EVV model to a completely open model, bringing EVV aggregation in-house and ending its reliance on Sandata.
This is more than just a technical change—it’s operational and financial. You’ll need to line up your Arizona EVV vendor list, gear up your team, and ensure your EVV data flows seamlessly into AHCCCS’s new system.
Here’s what your agency needs to know:
Starting October 2025, EVV data goes straight to AHCCCS’s own aggregator, not Sandata. Your vendor submits directly to the state using familiar specs, but must complete testing with AHCCCS beforehand.
Providers currently using Sandata need to act fast—either contract directly with Sandata or choose a different Arizona EVV 2.0 vendor. Otherwise, you risk claim denials or delays from day one.
Agencies using non-Sandata vendors will see little disruption, aside from a data-routing change. But your vendor still needs to test with AHCCCS to properly submit your EVV records in the new system.
| Element | Current (“Hybrid”) Model | Arizona EVV 2.0 (Oct 1, 2025 Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| EVV Aggregator | Sandata | AHCCCS in-house (state-run) |
| EVV Software Cost | Free via Sandata or self-procured | All agencies purchase/contract their own vendor |
| Data Submission | Vendor → Sandata → AHCCCS | Vendor → AHCCCS directly (after testing) |
| Compliance Risk | Low (if using state-provided system) | High (claims delayed/denied if not compliant) |
| Incentives | None | Potential Differential Adjusted Payment (DAP) bonus for auto-verified visits |
AHCCCS isn’t leaving agencies stranded! Here are some key resources:
AHCCCS offers an Alternate Vendor Review Tool—plus step-by-step guidance and a recorded webinar—to help agencies vet EVV vendors for policy compliance. The tool is optional but a savvy move to ensure you’re covered.
Starting early September, EVV vendors will register through AHCCCS’s ServiceNow portal to submit data securely to the new state aggregator. This includes API access, connectivity testing, and support tickets.
AHCCCS has scheduled vendor training on September 11, 2025—and provider training on September 18, 2025—to walk through the new aggregator, API registration, connectivity testing, roles, responsibilities, reporting, and troubleshooting. These sessions will be recorded and made available online.
Are you using Sandata? If yes, secure a contract now—or pick a vetted Arizona Medicaid EVV compliant vendor.
Make sure your chosen EVV vendor is on AHCCCS’s radarHas the vendor completed the necessary testing? Are they an approved Arizona Medicaid EVV vendor? Confirm before you commit.
Train and document thoroughlyYour caregivers need a smooth onboarding. Ensure your AHCCCS EVV compliant software supports live-in caregiver tagging, fallback (like telephony), and scheduling precision.
Watch the incentivesThe DAP bonuses for auto-verified visits (October 2025–September 2026) are real dollars—don’t miss out on that extra revenue opportunity.
What’s the DAP incentive program?
The Differential Adjusted Payment (DAP) is a revenue boost for agencies. If your EVV data hits auto‑verified visit criteria—capturing all required fields without manual changes—you qualify for additional Medicaid payment percentage between Oct 2025–Sep 2026.
AHCCCS now requires agencies to specifically identify and report caregivers classified as live-in. This isn’t just for scheduling—it’s critical for monitoring compliance with service models like “Parents as Paid Caregivers” and to support workforce planning.
Sandata-using agencies had a deadline of March 31, 2025, while agencies working with alternate vendors will receive further guidance from AHCCCS on their timing.
EVV 2.0 introduces updated technical specs to ensure scheduling and visit maintenance are handled correctly. Vendors must follow these new standards and be tested by AHCCCS to guarantee successful data submission.
Sandata remains available—but not free
While Sandata will still be an option starting October 1, 2025, agencies must contract directly with them—and bear the cost themselves. AHCCCS will no longer provide Sandata as a free system.
You’re balancing compliance, staff adoption, scheduling chaos, and profitability. That’s why we recommend CareSmartz360 as a Sandata alternative in Arizona and a top-tier AHCCCS-compliant EVV software.
Here’s what sets it apart:
This isn’t some distant regulatory soap bubble—it’s real change hitting in just another month. If your agency hasn’t locked in a compliant EVV setup yet, consider that a red flag you can fix now. Make the transition now—the clock is ticking.
Take control: Book a demo with CareSmartz360 today. Explore what a true Arizona EVV vendor list-ready solution looks like—one that helps you navigate AHCCCS regulations and improve your agency’s efficiency.
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