If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes related to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) by removing the exclusion of speech therapy and cochlear implants for individuals aged 21 and older. Specifically, it would delete the existing provision that excludes speech therapy from outpatient health services and the prohibition on cochlear implants as part of covered prosthetic devices. The bill would insert language to ensure that both speech therapy and cochlear implants are included in the services covered by AHCCCS for eligible adults.

Additionally, the bill would prohibit the use of funds from the Hospital Assessment Fund for providing speech therapy and cochlear implants to eligible persons aged 21 and older. This change aims to clarify the funding sources for these services while making technical and conforming changes to the existing statutes. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance access to essential health services for adults with communication and hearing disorders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2907
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-2907