Healthcare (Medicaid)

signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1713: AHCCCS; procurement; contracting

SB 1713 establishes a new performance-based procurement system called the "Arizona hybrid model" for Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS). It directly affects managed care organizations (MCOs) contracted to provide services under AHCCCS by replacing traditional requests for proposals with a standardized evaluation system. The bill requires all MCOs to be assessed over a four-year performance period using publicly available, measurable metrics covering care access, claims processing, and member experience, with decisions on contract continuation based solely on this scoring. It also mandates a single statewide master contract for all MCOs serving AHCCCS programs, eliminating duplicate contracts and reducing administrative burden.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes performance metrics for Medicaid MCOs focusing on care access and member experience, improving service quality under AHCCCS.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

introduced · Arizona · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 1797: essential drugs; price increases; limits.

SB 1797 prohibits manufacturers and distributors from engaging in "price gouging" on specific essential off-patent or generic drugs, defined as drugs without patent protection, listed by WHO or the U.S. as essential, and sold by few manufacturers. It directly affects drug companies selling these medications in Arizona, requiring them to justify price increases exceeding 50% within a year or exceeding $80 for basic treatment (e.g., 30-day supply). The state’s Medicaid program can trigger investigations for such increases, prompting manufacturers to submit cost breakdowns within 45 days. If violations are confirmed, the attorney general can seek court orders for restitution, injunctions, or civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. The bill focuses on transparency and accountability for price hikes impacting affordability, not on altering drug approval or insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits price gouging on essential generic drugs, capping increases >50% or $80, improving affordability and access for Medicaid patients and essential medications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Prescription Drugs

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introduced · Arizona · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 2980: home; community-based services; mental illness.

HB 2980 establishes a new Arizona program providing home and community-based services (HCBS) for adults with serious mental illness who require intensive support to avoid institutional care. It directly affects individuals determined to be "seriously mentally ill" under state criteria (e.g., those needing complex medication management, safety monitoring, or structured community supports like assisted living), with eligibility based on clinical need (e.g., recent hospitalizations, homelessness, or medication risks) and income limits (under 300% of federal SSI rate, or using a qualified income trust). Key provisions require the state to request federal Medicaid approval by July 2027 to implement the program, which will cover services like medication administration, behavioral health day care, supervised living supports, and nonemergency transportation. The bill mandates stakeholder input from providers, families, and tribal nations during design and requires quarterly updates to legislators until implementation. This program aims to replace institutional placements with community-based care, pending federal approval.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new HCBS program for serious mental illness, providing community-based services to avoid institutional care and expand access to mental health support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid Mental Health

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1776: traditional healing services; AHCCCS

SB 1776 adds "traditional healing services" to the list of covered health services under Arizona's AHCCCS (Medicaid) program. It specifically covers these services only for AHCCCS members who qualify through the Indian Health Service or tribal facilities, as defined by federal regulations. The services must be delivered by or through an Indian Health Service, urban Indian organization, or tribal facility. This is a targeted addition to existing coverage, not a broad expansion, and does not change funding or eligibility outside these specific tribal partnerships.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands AHCCCS coverage to include traditional healing services for eligible tribal members, targeting specific providers under federal guidelines.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Tags Tribal Nations

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1672: AHCCCS; antipsychotic drugs; authorization

This bill (SB 1672) modifies Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS) to change how coverage is provided for prescription antipsychotic drugs. It directly affects AHCCCS members aged 18+ with a serious mental illness diagnosis who need FDA-approved antipsychotic medications. The key provision prevents prior authorization delays for these drugs, except when a step therapy protocol requires documented failure to respond to two distinct antipsychotics. This protocol must be processed electronically in real-time and considers two paid claims for different preferred antipsychotics as meeting the step therapy requirement. The bill applies only to evidence-based antipsychotic drugs and does not affect generic drug use or necessary safety reviews.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves prior authorization barriers for FDA-approved antipsychotics in AHCCCS, improving access to mental health medications for qualifying patients without restricting coverage.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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introduced · Arizona · Senate Jun 12, 2026

SB 1525: technical correction; AHCCCS; application process

SB 1525 amends Arizona law to require a uniform application and eligibility process for three state health programs: the premium sharing program, children's health insurance program, and healthcare group under AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program). The bill directs the director to adopt rules ensuring consistent application screening across these programs and facilitates transferring members between programs when they qualify for different ones. This change directly affects Arizonans applying for or enrolled in these specific health coverage programs by simplifying the process and reducing administrative barriers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareStreamlines AHCCCS application process for three health programs, improving access consistency and facilitating program transfers without restricting benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Insurance Medicaid

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passed · Arizona · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1621: obesity; prevention; treatment; advisory council

SB 1621 establishes an Obesity Treatment and Prevention Advisory Council in Arizona to address healthcare gaps related to obesity. The council, composed of 10 members including legislators, health officials, patient advocates, and medical professionals, will analyze Medicaid cost savings for preventative care, evaluate policy strategies, identify system gaps, and produce public education reports. It must submit its first report by December 31, 2027, and a follow-up by 2028 to state leaders. This procedural bill creates a temporary body (repealed January 2029) focused on guiding future policy, not directly changing Medicaid coverage or treatment access.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes council to address obesity healthcare gaps through prevention, policy evaluation, and Medicaid cost analysis, advancing preventative care strategies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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signed · Arizona · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1630: home; community-based services; mental illness

SB 1630 establishes a new Arizona Medicaid program providing home and community-based services for adults with serious mental illness, replacing institutional care when possible. It sets eligibility based on clinical criteria (like recent hospitalizations, medication complexity, or safety risks) and income limits (300% of federal SSI), with options for a qualified income trust to meet financial requirements. Covered services include personal care, medication management, supervised community living, adult day health, and nonemergency transportation. The program requires federal approval by 2027 and aims to support individuals in community settings while avoiding psychiatric hospital or residential facility placement.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new Medicaid program for community-based mental health services, replacing institutional care and expanding access to covered services like medication management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid Mental Health

in committee · Arizona · House Feb 9, 2026

HB 2958: AHCCCS; dental care; pregnant women

HB 2958 expands dental coverage under Arizona's Medicaid program (AHCCCS) to include comprehensive dental care for pregnant women aged 21 and older, including extractions, without the annual $1,000 spending limit that applies to non-pregnant adults. This change ensures pregnant women enrolled in AHCCCS can access full dental treatment as part of prenatal care, removing prior financial restrictions. The bill directly affects pregnant women in the Medicaid program by adding this specific benefit to existing coverage. It does not alter dental coverage for non-pregnant adults or other program provisions.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid dental coverage for pregnant women by removing annual spending limit, improving access to prenatal dental care as part of healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Women's Health

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introduced · Arizona · House Jan 29, 2026

HB 2942: appropriation; DES; rehabilitation group homes

HB 2942 allocates $12 million from Arizona’s general fund and $36 million in Medicaid funds annually for fiscal years 2026-2031 to increase reimbursement rates for rehabilitation group homes serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill directly affects licensed group homes that provide care for these individuals, ensuring they receive higher payments under the health care coding system code T2016. Key provisions include mandatory annual funding increases to cover rising operational costs for these facilities. This policy change aims to stabilize funding for critical support services without altering eligibility or care standards.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $12M general fund + $36M Medicaid annually to fund rehabilitation group homes, increasing reimbursements for essential disability services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds rehabilitation group homes for individuals with disabilities, advancing criminal justice reform through improved rehabilitation services and reduced recidivism.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $48M annually (general fund + Medicaid) to increase reimbursements for rehabilitation group homes serving individuals with disabilities, directly funding healthcare services under Medicaid coding system T2016.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllocates $48M annually to fund rehabilitation group homes for disabled individuals, directly supporting housing accessibility and service provision through increased reimbursement rates.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Medicaid

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