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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AHCCCS; lactation care; breastfeeding
Purpose
Requires contractors with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), subject to approval by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to provide breastfeeding and lactation care services to members.
Background
AHCCCS contracts with health professionals to provide medically necessary
health and medical services to eligible members. AHCCCS contractors must provide
services and supplies, including, but not limited to: 1) inpatient and
outpatient hospital services; 2) laboratory and x-ray services; 3) prescription
medications; 4) medical supplies, durable medical equipment, insulin pumps and
prosthetic devices; 5) medical treatment of eye conditions; 6) early and
periodic health screening and diagnostic services; 7) family planning services;
8) podiatry services;
9) nonexperimental transplants; 10) emergency dental care; 11) ambulance and
nonambulance transportation; 12) hospice care; 13) orthotics; 14) chiropractic
services; 15) diabetes outpatient self-management training services; and 16)
traditional healing services, as specified (A.R.S.
§ 36-2907).
According to AHCCCS, contractors providing maternity care services must educate members about breastfeeding and direct members to resources and programs that provide free breastfeeding support, including the Department of Health Services Breastfeeding Hotline and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (AHCCCS).
If there is a cost associated with expanding AHCCCS coverage to include breastfeeding and lactation care services, there may be a fiscal impact to the state General Fund.
Provisions
1. Requires AHCCCS contractors, subject to approval by CMS, to provide breastfeeding and lactation care services, including consultations, education and counseling, that are provided in inpatient, outpatient, home-based and group settings.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
HHS 1/22/26 DPA 12-0-0-0
3rd Read 2/17/26 48-6-6
Prepared by Senate Research
March 13, 2026
JT/HD/ci