The bill SB1598 proposes an appropriation of $5 million from the state General Fund to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This funding is intended to provide institutional services and home and community-based services (HCBS) for up to three months to individuals who have not yet been determined eligible for services under the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). The bill allows AHCCCS to deliver these services through a program contractor and specifies that individuals are not entitled to any particular service, nor is AHCCCS required to exceed the appropriation amount in providing services.
Additionally, the bill permits AHCCCS to use up to 10% of the appropriated funds for administrative purposes and exempts the appropriation from lapsing. It also provides a one-year exemption from the rulemaking requirements for the purpose of implementing transitional ALTCS services. The bill emphasizes that the appropriation and service provisions do not create an entitlement or obligation to provide services beyond the allocated funds.