AZ Medicaid Program Advances $41 Million To Health Care Providers

PHOENIX, AZ—To help health care providers address the coronavirus emergency and ensure their ongoing viability, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System is advancing more than $41 million in scheduled payments to health care providers.

The money will go to hospitals, primary care providers, behavioral health outpatient providers, and justice clinic providers who participate in the agency’s targeted investments program, according to Gov. Doug Ducey's office.

“Arizona’s hospitals, doctors and behavioral health professionals have supported those in need during the COVID-19 health emergency and well before,” said Gov. Ducey. “AHCCCS is providing these payments ahead of schedule so we can ensure these health care providers and professionals can continue to serve Arizonans without interruption. My thanks to front-line workers and health care professionals across the state working around the clock to protect public health and safety.”

More than 106 provider organizations will receive a portion of the funds they were scheduled to receive in the fall of 2020 as a part of their successful participation in the five-year targeted investments initiative, the governor's office said. Officials said the initiative supports providers as they integrate physical and behavioral health services.

The program rewards participants for meeting certain quality metrics demonstrating enhanced care coordination within and across providers and clinic settings. The $41 million is not new funding but an existing allocation.

According to the governor's office, AHCCCS expects the payments to be made in early May.