If enacted, this bill would amend current statutes related to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) by requiring the Director of AHCCCS to annually apply for federal waivers to authorize Medicaid payments for specific services provided to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) members. The new provisions would mandate that these applications be submitted by March 30 each year and would focus on services that were eliminated or reduced in the state plan after September 2010, including necessary dental services. Additionally, the Director would only apply for waivers that have not yet been approved and are not currently in effect.

The bill also includes technical changes to existing language, such as replacing the term "the individuals'" with "each individual's" in the context of limited benefit coverage for incarcerated individuals. Furthermore, it establishes that upon approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), AHCCCS may make payments for the covered services provided to AI/AN members through participating Indian Health Services or tribal facilities that meet the specified criteria. Overall, these updates aim to enhance access to healthcare services for AI/AN populations in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2903.18, 36-2907, 93-638
House Engrossed Version: 36-2903.18, 36-2907, 93-638