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| Arizona Medicaid Expansion |
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Summary:
Current Status of Medicaid Expansion in State:
State is studying options, likely to expand.
Decision Process:
Regular legislative process.
Background:
Currently:
· As of 2009 data, 1,783,289 people are enrolled and 86% of recipients received Managed Care. AHCCCS contracts with several health plans to provide covered services. An AHCCCS health plan works like a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). The state’s Medicaid program covers up to 200% FPL depending on the specific program. It is run by Arizona Health Care Cost Containment Services (AHCCCS), Arizona Department of Insurance- Arizona Department of Health Services.
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Expansion:
· The expansion of AHCCCS to 133% FPL would be a 7.7% increase in enrollment from the existing program.
Process:
· The Arizona Department of Insurance commissioned a study by Mercer to determine the best benchmark plan options and the required EHBs under the ACA. They have sought guidance from the federal government and input from stakeholders and the general public in a variety of forums and are now moving into the regular policymaking process to decide on compliance strategy.
State Activity:
- Following the federal government's announcement that it will not provide funding for smaller, or 'leaner' versions of the Medicaid expansion, Governor Jan Brewer has urged Arizona state lawmakers to move forward on her expansion proposal and is confident that Medicaid expansion will pass.
- Stakeholders and community members provided input before regular policymaking process. The ADOI sought to advise Governor Brewer throughout the legislative process.
- Governor Brewer also wrote to Director Gary Cohen and Secretary Sebelius to say that Arizona would not accept a plan selected by the federal government that violated the values of the people of Arizona.
- Governor Brewer has approved the State Employee Benefit-United Healthcare EPO with pediatric dental and vision coverage supplemented by the Fed-VIP program. ADOI requested a study by Mercer to determine EHB requirements under the ACA, findings are published here-
- Arizona has received an 1115 Waiver to expand coverage for individuals not otherwise eligible for Medicaid up to 100% FPL.
- AHCCCS has held a number of public meetings designed to engage stakeholders in the healthcare and business sectors and the community in general. The public has the opportunity to participate at the presentations, submit comments online, and were able to participate in a survey.
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