ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

Senate: HHS DPA 7-0-0-0 | Third Read 28-0-2-0

House: HHS DP 12-0-0-0

SB 1122: AHCCCS; prior authorization; behavioral health

Sponsor: Senator Werner, LD 4

Caucus & COW

Overview

Beginning January 1, 2027, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is prohibited from mandating 100% prepayment review for behavioral health services provided to a member under the American Indian Health Program (AIHP) by a behavioral health provider, unless certain conditions are met.

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 or people with certain disabilities. Members must meet certain financial and nonfinancial requirements to be eligible for AHCCCS (A.R.S. § 36-2901).

American Indians and Alaska Natives enrolled in AHCCCS or Children's Health Insurance Program may choose to receive their coverage through the AIHP. The AIHP provides medically necessary services for enrolled members, including preventive and behavioral health care services (AIHP).

Provisions

1. Prohibits AHCCCS, beginning January 1, 2027, from requiring 100% prepayment review for behavioral health services provided to a member under AIHP by a behavioral health provider unless AHCCCS implements a corrective action plan and the provider is:

a. noncompliant; or

b. not engaged in the corrective action plan. (Sec. 1)

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f. Initials AG/LK SB 1122

g. 3/5/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW

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