REFERENCE TITLE: appropriations; services providers; reimbursement rates.

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

2024

SB 1585

Introduced by

Senator Wadsack

An Act

appropriating monies to the department of economic security.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1. Appropriations; department of economic security; reimbursement rates; report; intent

A. The following amounts are appropriated from the following sources in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the department of economic security to provide reimbursement rate increases for services to the following populations:

1. $13,000,000 from the state general fund and $______ in medicaid expenditure authority for home and community-based services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

2. $2,000,000 from the state general fund to the state funded Arizona long-term care fund for room and board services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

B. The department of economic security shall provide reimbursement rate increases for home and community-based services provided to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that each service, other than nursing services and therapy services, receives an increase.  Before implementing provider rate increases, the department must engage community stakeholders regarding the department's plans to increase the reimbursement rates.

C. On or before September 1, 2024, the department of economic security shall report to the joint legislative budget committee the increased provider rates adopted pursuant to this section. The department of economic security shall implement the increased provider rates on or before October 1, 2024.

D. The legislature intends that the appropriations made in subsection A of this section be considered ongoing funding in future years.