ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session

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HB 2727: AHCCCS; pregnant women; dental care.

Sponsor:  Representative Osborne, LD 13

Committee on Health & Human Services

Overview

Requires Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) contractors to provide comprehensive dental care for eligible pregnant women and appropriates monies to AHCCCS to provide these services.

History

Established in 1981, AHCCCS is Arizona's Medicaid program that oversees contracted health plans for the delivery of health care to individuals and families who qualify for Medicaid and other medical assistance programs. Through contracted health plans across the state, AHCCCS delivers health care to qualifying individuals including low-income adults, their children and people with certain disabilities.

Current law requires contractors to provide the following services to eligible members: 1) inpatient hospital services; 2) outpatient hospital services; 3) laboratory and X-ray services; 4) prescription medications; 5) medical supplies, durable medical equipment, insulin pumps and prosthetic devices; 6) treatment of medical conditions of the eye; 7) early and periodic heath screening and diagnostic services; 8) family planning services; 9) podiatry services; 10) nonexperimental transplants; 11) emergency dental care; 12) ambulance and non-ambulance transportation; 13) hospice care; and 14) orthotics (A.R.S. § 36-2907).

Provisions

1. Requires AHCCCS contractors to provide comprehensive dental care for women who are at least 21 years of age and in any stage of pregnancy. (Sec. 1)

2. Appropriates the following monies in FY 2021 to AHCCCS to provide dental services to pregnant women:

a) $178,900 from the state GF; and

b) $478,300 from the federal Medicaid authority. (Sec. 2)

3. Appropriates $3.6 million one-time from the state GF in FY 2021 to AHCCCS to cover costs incurred due to eligibility changes directly related to introducing a dental benefit for pregnant women. (Sec. 2)

4. Requires AHCCCS, on or before October 1, 2021, to report to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Governor's Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting the following information:

a) The actual costs incurred to provide dental services to pregnant women; and

b) The actual costs incurred due to eligibility changes directly related to introducing a dental benefit for pregnant women during FY 2021. (Sec. 2)

5. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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9. Initials IG/AG                    Health & Human Services

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