AHCCCS; reimbursement; noncontracting providers

HB 2585 requires Arizona's Medicaid managed care plans (contractors) to reimburse noncontracting healthcare providers for laboratory services when a member is referred by a contracted provider. It also prohibits contractors from requiring prior authorization for diagnostic services and bans retaliatory actions against contracted providers who refer members to noncontracted providers. The bill directly affects Medicaid enrollees, noncontracting healthcare providers (like independent labs), and managed care contractors. These changes aim to improve access to lab and diagnostic services while protecting provider referral choices.