Assigned to HHS FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to HHS FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
Purpose
Requires the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to report to the chairpersons of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the House of Representatives Health Committee the number of group home beds available in Arizona for adults with serious mental illness (SMI).
Background
SMI is a severe, chronic illness that interferes with a person's ability to function in society. It is not a specific disorder but a group of mental health conditions that results in long-term limitation of a person's ability to undertake primary activities of daily living. The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) has primary responsibility for behavioral health services while AHCCCS retains oversight of the behavioral health services and draws down federal dollars for the services, such as services for adults with SMI.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) was originally established by the Legislature in 1981 as Arizona’s Medicaid program to provide health insurance coverage for certain low-income individuals and families. AHCCCS uses federal, state, and county funds to provide health care coverage to Arizona's acute and long-term care Medicaid populations.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires AHCCCS to report to the chairpersons of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the House of Representatives Health Committee, by December 31, 2018, the number of group home beds available in Arizona for adults with SMI.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 9, 2018
CRS/NW/lat