The proposed bill would amend current statutes by introducing new provisions related to the management and verification of public benefits, specifically within the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and the Department of Economic Security (DES). It would establish a framework for contracting with health benefits purchasing organizations, which could include various entities such as retailers and membership organizations. Additionally, the bill mandates that the administration publish a fixed benefit price list and requires health care providers to disclose their pricing based on billing codes. This aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the reimbursement process.

Furthermore, the bill would implement stricter eligibility verification processes for programs administered by the AHCCCS and DES. It would require comprehensive verification of applicants' income, residency, citizenship, and other factors using multiple state and federal databases. The bill also emphasizes the need for real-time eligibility checks and the maintenance of an audit log for all queries and actions taken. Employees found to have willfully neglected these verification requirements would face immediate termination. Overall, these updates aim to improve the integrity and efficiency of public benefit programs in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-2930.07, 36-2930.08, 46-232, 41-5921, 41-5912, 41-5922
House Engrossed Version: 36-2930.07, 36-2930.08, 46-232, 41-5921, 41-5912, 41-5922