http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx The latest news and updates from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). arizona government medicaid http://www.azahcccs.gov/assets/images/AHCCCSlogo50.gif http://azahcccs.gov/commercial/Default.aspx The agenda for the May 16, 2012 AHCCCS Manage Care Organization Update Meeting is now available online. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#dual AHCCCS is accepting comments on the draft demonstration proposal to create an integrated care system for individuals who receive both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as "dual eligibles." en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#25 CMS approved SPA #11-012, which establishes a 25-day annual limit effective October 1, 2011. The limit applies to adults age 21 and older. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#safety On Friday, April 6, 2012, AHCCCS received approval under Arizona's Section 1115 Waiver, to move forward with two new programs critical to Arizona’s safety net healthcare delivery system – the Safety Net Care Pool and the Indian Health Services/tribal 638 facilities supplemental payment program. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#azhha On April 3, 2012, the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) withdrew the lawsuit it filed against AHCCCS and the federal government. For more information, please click on the link below: en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#204 On February 15, 2012, the Arizona Supreme Court denied the Petition for Review of the Court of Appeals decision to uphold the freeze on new enrollment for childless adults. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#copper CMS denied the Copper Queen Community Hospital (CQCH) proposal to use donated funds from private hospitals to draw federal matching dollars for uncompensated care programs at such hospitals. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#ACA Effective January 1, 2012, the AHCCCS Office of the Inspector General will implement program integrity changes related to: 1) Provider Registration and 2) Suspension of Provider Payment based on a Credible Allegation of Fraud. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#204 On December 6, 2011, the Arizona Court of Appeals issued a decision upholding the freeze on new enrollment for childless adults. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#MVD Beginning December 15, 2011, AHCCCS will be adding photos to the on-line verification tool used by providers to verify member eligibility. More information can be found in the link below en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#ArizonaSection1115DemonstrationProjectWaiver On October 21, 2011, CMS approved Arizona’s Section 1115 Research and Demonstration Waiver for a period to begin October 22, 2011 through September 30, 2016. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#freeze Pursuant to Section 1933 of the Social Security Act, the AHCCCS Administration will institute an enrollment freeze for persons who would otherwise be eligible for benefits as "qualifying individuals" or "QI-1s." en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#ArizonaSection1115DemonstrationProjectWaiver Arizona's current 1115 Waiver will be extended until October 14, 2011. All current authorities and terms of the current 1115 Waiver will be in place until the new 1115 Waiver is approved by CMS. AHCCCS will continue to work with CMS to transition to the new 1115 Waiver Demonstration. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/reporting/federal/legislation.aspx#MedicarePartB Effective October 1, 2011, AHCCCS will no longer cover Medicare Part B Premiums for approximately 10,000 ALTCS members. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#EHR AHCCCS received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to launch the Arizona Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. The program will launch in two phases, opening in late July as planned. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#RFPAward On June 14, 2011, Mercy Care plan was awarded a contract for Pima county. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#RFPAward May 5, 2011 - The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s single state Medicaid agency, has awarded nine contracts to three successful managed care companies that will provide services to Arizonans enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) program. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/reporting/federal/waiver.aspx#med Pursuant to the flexibilities outlined in Secretary Sebelius’ letter, Governor Brewer’s Medicaid Reform Package includes the phase out of the MED program. A phase out plan was submitted to CMS on March 16, 2011. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/members/membernews.aspx#ALTCSTransfer Effective with ALTCS applications filed on and after May 1, 2011, uncompensated transfer penalty periods will be reduced and ended only when ALL transferred assets are returned. Penalty periods will no longer be shortened when only a partial return is made. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#TransplantRestoration The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting proposals from State Medicaid agencies to compete for grant awards for the Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases Program. CMS is conducting a nationwide program to test and evaluate the effectiveness of a program to provide financial and non-financial incentives to Medicaid beneficiaries of all ages who participate in prevention programs and demonstrate changes in health risk and outcomes, including the adoption of healthy behaviors. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#NewGrantOpportunity The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting proposals from State Medicaid agencies to compete for grant awards for the Medicaid Incentives for Prevention of Chronic Diseases Program. CMS is conducting a nationwide program to test and evaluate the effectiveness of a program to provide financial and non-financial incentives to Medicaid beneficiaries of all ages who participate in prevention programs and demonstrate changes in health risk and outcomes, including the adoption of healthy behaviors. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#GovernorBrewersMedicaidReformPackage Information about Governor Brewer's Medicaid reform plan to preserve the AHCCCS program. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#OptionsreMedicaidEnrollment Information about steps Arizona may take to manage it's Medicaid program and balance it's budget, without violating MOE requirements. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/news.aspx#DirectorsTestimonyAHCCCSTermination On February 23, 2011, the Arizona Senate Appropriations Committee voted on a measure that would terminate the AHCCCS program. Governor Brewer opposes the termination of the AHCCCS program and Director Betlach submitted testimony in opposition to the bill. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/reporting/legislation/presentations.aspx AHCCCS periodically delivers presentations on a number of topics, including the Agency's programs, budget and operations. The new Updates to the AHCCCS Program presentation is now online. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/reporting/transparency/default.aspx In an effort to promote transparency and support the State’s Transparency website, AHCCCS is providing additional information on direct payments made for medical and health related services in Arizona’s Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. The link in the title has additional information. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/reporting/legislation/seesions/2010/seventh.aspx On April 1, 2011, AHCCCS will be reducing provider rates. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/reporting/federal/legislation.aspx Information regarding AHCCCS implementation of some of the Medicaid provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been updated. en-us http://www.azahcccs.gov/commercial/providerbilling/copayments.aspx AHCCCS members who will have mandatory copayments for certain services beginning October 1, 2010, are Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA) members, Childless Adults (also known as AHCCCS Care), and MED (Medical Expense Deduction) members. en-us