This was a milestone week for our behavioral health program. Tuesday marked the start of our contract with Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care as the regional behavioral health authority in Maricopa County. The transition has gone well this week. Literally 100s of things had to go right in order to have a smooth transition- including Information [...]
This week we’re making 3 efficiency changes in our behavioral health system. Instead of having providers bill us and AHCCCS for different services, all the bills will go to AHCCCS- and we’ll get statements from them. It’ll be the same with enrollment- all paperwork is processed through AHCCCS and we’ll get a standard report that [...]
Now that we’re on the road to transitioning to a new system of behavioral health care in Maricopa County, it’s time to move our sights toward taking our reform initiative to the rest of the State. Our first objective is to get input from the public and other Stakeholders. That’s why we, in coordination with [...]
AHCCCS and ADES have rolled out a new website that makes it easier than ever to enroll for Medicaid and other benefits. It’s called Health-e-Arizona Plus… and it’s Arizona’s one-stop-shop for easy Medicaid enrollment. Health-e-Arizona Plus provides an easy pathway to apply for a full range of AHCCCS and ADES benefits and local health access programs like the Supplemental [...]
Many of the health disparities in the US are linked to income. In general… the lower a family’s income the greater the prevalence of health disparities. Health impacts from smoking cigarettes are no exception. Arizonans below the poverty line (100% of FPL) are 40% more likely to smoke than those with more money... and about 34% of [...]
You’ve probably heard the words “meaningful use” thrown around… but what is it? Basically, it’s using electronic health record technology to: 1) Improve quality, safety, efficiency, and reduce health disparities; 2) Engage patients and family; 3) Improve care coordination, and population and public health; and 4) Maintain privacy and security of patient health information. Using [...]
As you’ve probably seen, the Legislature went into a special session and worked some long hours to pass a FY 2014 budget. While we’re still analyzing everything, here are some key provisions of the budget bill as it was sent to the Governor. Medicaid (AHCCCS) will be restored and expanded. This will be a big [...]
I’m happy to announce that I’ve permanently appointed Cory Nelson as our official Deputy Director for Behavioral Health. He’s been serving in the Acting capacity since August of ‘12 and has shown great skill and leadership in the position. He’s been very successful working with our leadership and our Agency team as well as our [...]
Last Saturday our Licensing team hit the mark at Showtime- when it matters most. After hearing that the Fountain Retirement Hotel had put residents on notice it was closing, we immediately became concerned that staff would stop showing up, food and medication would not be given out, and the residents would be turned out into the [...]
Starting today, AHCCCS is reopening enrollment in the KidsCare II program. Arizona's Temporary Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepting applications again. Enrollment was suspended in September and many people were put on a wait list – those kids will be automatically enrolled and do not need to reapply. KidsCare II criteria include income guidelines [...]
