The proposed bill, if enacted, 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 the current reimbursement rates and would require AHCCCS to contract with an independent consulting firm to carry out the study, provided sufficient funds are received. The bill specifies that any excess funds must be returned to the contributors.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the study must be completed within one year of receiving the necessary funds and requires AHCCCS to submit the findings to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. The results of the study will be incorporated into AHCCCS's next capitation rate request and reimbursement rates for NEMT providers. If the study's findings are not fully reflected in the capitation rates, AHCCCS must report the discrepancies to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee within 30 days.

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