Legislation of Interest

Back in 2003, many of us fought long and hard against a “co-pay” to be levied on families of children covered by Arizona Long-Term Care (ALTCS). Originally, there was a push to charge co-pays to families with relatively low incomes. In the end, the legislation was passed with a deductible that required families earning more than 400% of the FPL (federal poverty level), which is $80,000 for a family of 4, to pay 2% of their income as a deductible, and families earning more than 500% of the FPL to pay 4% of their income.

This legislation has not resulted in a cost sharing to date because, as part of the state’s medicaid program, it must first be approved by CMS—The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in Washington D.C. CMS has got to approve the deductible.  At this point, April 2010, the issue is on hold.

Click here to review ACCCI’s written comments to AHCCCS