Healthcare

SB 1398 requires Arizona's AHCCCS (Medicaid) program to verify the eligibility of adults aged 21+ at least every six months starting January 1, 2027, using available data. It directly affects AHCCCS enrollees who must undergo these regular checks to maintain coverage. The bill mandates an annual report by December 1 each year to legislative committees, detailing four specific metrics: new applications received, completed eligibility verifications, applications requiring asset verification, and completed asset verifications from the prior contract year. These provisions aim to standardize eligibility checks and increase transparency in program administration.

SB 1152 requires applicants for Arizona state or local public benefits (such as healthcare or food assistance) to provide specific documents proving lawful U.S. presence, including Arizona driver licenses, birth certificates, or immigration documents. It specifically prohibits individuals with pending asylum applications from receiving benefits until an immigration judge grants asylum. The bill establishes penalties for agency employees who fail to report immigration violations (class 2 misdemeanor) and allows any Arizona resident to sue agencies for noncompliance. Key provisions include requiring sworn affidavits about document accuracy and exempting certain groups like tribal members from standard documentation under federal guidance. This bill directly affects non-citizens applying for public benefits and changes eligibility requirements under Arizona law.

HB 2796 strengthens eligibility verification for Arizona’s Medicaid program (AHCCCS) by requiring monthly and quarterly data checks with state agencies. It mandates verification of income, residency, employment, and other changes using state databases (like tax records and death certificates) instead of accepting self-reported information. The bill also restricts temporary "presumptive eligibility" coverage to children and pregnant women only, requiring federal waiver approval, and imposes training requirements for hospitals that fail to meet verification standards. These changes directly affect AHCCCS members and participating hospitals by tightening enrollment rules and reducing reliance on self-attestation.