If enacted, this bill would amend current Arizona statutes to require the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to cover speech therapy and cochlear implants for eligible individuals aged 21 and older. Specifically, it would remove the existing exclusion of these services from the list of covered health and medical services under AHCCCS, thereby allowing eligible adults to access these necessary treatments. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes to the language of the statute.

Additionally, the bill would prohibit the use of funds from the Hospital Assessment Fund for providing speech therapy and cochlear implants to individuals aged 21 and older. This change would ensure that these services are funded through other means rather than the Hospital Assessment Fund, which is typically used for different types of medical services. Overall, the bill aims to enhance healthcare access for adults requiring speech therapy and cochlear implants while updating the relevant statutory language.

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