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 reimbursement rates for NEMT services. This study would assess the adequacy and appropriateness of current reimbursement rates, including a detailed examination of costs associated with service delivery in both rural and urban areas. The bill mandates that the study be completed within one year of receiving sufficient funding and requires AHCCCS to submit the results to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC).

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the findings from the study must be incorporated into AHCCCS's next capitation rate request and reimbursement rates for NEMT providers. If the study's results are not fully reflected in the capitation rates, AHCCCS is required to report to the JLBC within 30 days, explaining any discrepancies between the actual rates and those recommended by the study. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the transparency and adequacy of reimbursement rates for NEMT services in Arizona.

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