Amendment will allow AHCCCS to utilize federal matching funds for vital services for Arizonans with disabilities, the elderly, and people with serious mental illness.

(Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2022) - Arizona for Better Medicaid, a multi-stakeholder group supporting Medicaid and Managed Care in Arizona, released a statement of support of a strike everything amendment to SB1184, which will allow the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment system (AHCCCS) to utilize federal matching funds for vital services for Arizonans with disabilities, the elderly, and people with serious mental illness. The statement reads as follows:

“As members of Arizona for Better Medicaid, a multi-stakeholder group supporting Medicaid and Managed Care in Arizona, we support for the strike everything amendment to SB1184. This amendment is for a supplemental appropriation for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to support the provision of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). It will provide AHCCCS the ability to draw down an additional 10% in federal matching funds for vital services for Arizonans with disabilities, the elderly, and people with serious mental illness. The measure will bring additional and needed resources to our community without using state funds.

HCBS allows people with significant physical and cognitive limitations to live in their home or a home-like setting and remain integrated with the community rather than in a nursing home or other institution. Arizona’s HCBS is among the highest quality in the nation. For example, 90% of elderly in the ALTCS program eligible for a nursing home level of care live in a home or community-based setting, bringing enormous financial savings to the state and better outcomes for the seniors receiving this care and their families.

HCBS services include attendant care, meal preparation, dressing, medication management, living skills, peer and family supports, in-home nursing, employment and housing supports, and other services designed to help the most vulnerable among us.

The strike everything amendment to SB1184 will support providers and the families they serve in many ways, including:

• Grants for improvements at group homes

• Funds to enhance outdated technology

• Help for organizations that provide wrap around support for people getting care at home

• Enable easier and streamlined training and education opportunities for caregivers

• Help fulfill other important needs for a stressed workforce and the vulnerable populations that they serve. 

Arizona for Better Medicaid is proud to join health and community organizations across the state in support of the strike everything amendment to SB1184.”

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For more information:

Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman

Sophie@OHStrategic.com

602-380-1809

About Arizona for Better Medicaid

Arizona for Better Medicaid is a multi-stakeholder group of organizations committed to building a better Medicaid system that improves access, quality, outcomes and affordability by fully integrating managed care in Arizona. Arizona for Better Medicaid’s members include health care leaders, providers, health plans and other stakeholders who are champions of Medicaid and Medicaid managed care. Learn more at arizonaforbettermedicaid.org.