The proposed bill would update the Arizona Revised Statutes by introducing new requirements for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) regarding eligibility verification and data management. Specifically, it would mandate AHCCCS to establish a data matching agreement with the Arizona Department of Revenue to identify members with lottery or gambling winnings exceeding $3,000, and to review this information monthly. Additionally, the bill would require quarterly eligibility redeterminations for certain able-bodied adults and prohibit self-attestation of key eligibility factors without independent verification. It also emphasizes the need for AHCCCS to adjust eligibility based on death records and changes in circumstances, such as residency. Moreover, the bill seeks to eliminate mandatory hospital presumptive eligibility for certain groups and restrict such determinations to children and pregnant women. It would require hospitals to notify AHCCCS of presumptive eligibility determinations and assist applicants in completing full applications, while also establishing standards for accurate determinations and a process for addressing violations, including mandatory training for staff after repeated failures. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the integrity of the eligibility verification process and ensure compliance with federal requirements, with the act set to take effect after December 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2903.18, 36-2903.19
House Engrossed Version: 36-2903.18, 36-2903.19