The proposed bill would amend current statutes by adding a new section to the Arizona Revised Statutes that allows the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to receive funding from nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers and other interested parties to conduct a study on the adequacy of reimbursement rates for NEMT services. This funding can only be used to contract with an independent consulting firm for the study, and any excess funds must be returned to the contributors. The bill also stipulates that if sufficient funds are received, AHCCCS must contract for a comprehensive study that evaluates the costs associated with providing NEMT services, including programmatic, administrative, and technology costs in both rural and urban settings.

Additionally, the bill requires AHCCCS to collect financial data from contracted providers and managed care organizations to assist in the study. The study must be completed within one year of receiving sufficient funding, and the results must be submitted to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Furthermore, the findings of the study will be incorporated into AHCCCS's next capitation rate request and reimbursement rates for NEMT providers, ensuring that any discrepancies between the study rates and actual rates are reported to the committee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2930.07
House Engrossed Version: 36-2930.07
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-2930.07