AHCCCS; applied behavior analysis
The legislation targets how AHCCCS administers programs related to ABA services, ensuring equitable access and payment structures across different service delivery locations. One of the notable provisions in this bill is that the fee schedule established by AHCCCS cannot pay differently based on the setting in which services are delivered. This will likely lead to a more standardized approach to billing and reimbursement for ABA services, which could minimize disparities in service provision across various locations and demographics.
House Bill 2226, as introduced by Representative Gress, amends the Arizona Revised Statutes to include provisions for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services within the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The bill mandates that ABA services for families and children must be offered in flexible locations that cater to individual needs rather than favoring any specific delivery site. This flexibility aims to enhance accessibility to these essential services, which are crucial for children with behavioral issues.
Potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of this bill, particularly from stakeholders concerned about the adequacy of funding and resource allocation for ABA services. Critics may argue that without appropriate funding, the flexibility mandated by the bill might not translate to better service delivery in practice. Additionally, balancing the needs of urban and rural populations in terms of service availability could be a challenging aspect of this legislation, especially when considering travel reimbursements for providers meeting clients in more remote areas.