AHCCCS; reimbursement rates; rural hospitals

HB 2198 increases reimbursement rates for emergency hospital care provided by rural hospitals under Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS). Starting in fiscal year 2025-2026, rural hospitals will receive 30% higher fee-for-service payments compared to 2024-2025 rates. A "rural hospital" is defined as one located in a county with a population under one million. This change directly affects eligible rural hospitals by boosting their Medicaid payments for emergency services.