The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) was initiated in 1982 as a state-run program aimed at providing low-income individuals and families with access to affordable health care. For nearly four decades, this program has been continuously evolving to enhance the quality and accessibility of health care in Arizona. In this article, we’ll explore the ten ways the AHCCCS is successfully improving the health care access and affordability of Arizonians.
1. Expansion of Medicaid
AHCCCS is the driving force behind Arizona’s Medicaid program, which came into being in 2013. Through the expansion of Medicaid, more than 400,000 low-income individuals gained access to healthcare. AHCCCS works in partnership with the federal government to fund and operate Medicaid programs, ensuring access to affordable health care coverage for eligible individuals and families.
2. Innovating with Telehealth
Telehealth has evolved into a valuable tool for delivering healthcare, especially during a pandemic like COVID-19. AHCCCS has been a strong advocate of telehealth and has invested heavily in the technology and infrastructure required to support it. Since the pandemic, AHCCCS has seen a significant increase in telehealth utilization, with almost 250,000 virtual visits conducted in just four months. Telehealth services have effectively increased health care access and ensured that health care services continue across the state.
3. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Benefits
AHCCCS enrolled members now have access to SUD treatment benefits, thanks to recent Medicaid waivers. This waiver provides additional funding for community-based programs that specialize in providing high-quality SUD care for individuals with the potential to improve patient access and affordability for people in Arizona.
4. Maternal Health
AHCCCS has committed to reduce maternal mortality rates in Arizona by supporting programs that improve the maternal health of expecting and new mothers. AHCCCS created the Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (PQIC), which aims to standardize care and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns. Through this collaborative, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers work together and share data to develop evidence-based care strategies that benefit mothers while reducing the cost of healthcare.
5. Behavioral Health Services
AHCCCS provides access to a broad range of behavioral healthcare services, which are often needed by individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition or a substance use disorder. By providing access to these services within the Medicaid program, AHCCCS ensures that behavioral health care is more financially accessible for Arizonians.
6. Data Sharing
AHCCCS has implemented an electronic health record (EHR) system that enables healthcare providers, health plans, and managed care organizations to securely exchange health information. This data sharing initiative helps healthcare providers make more informed care decisions, which results in better outcomes while reducing costs.
7. Diabetes Prevention Program
AHCCCS offers the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), which is free to enrolled participants. DPP is an evidence-based program aimed at assisting individuals who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes to make lifestyle changes that prevent or delay the onset of the disease. Such a program will reduce the healthcare burden caused by diabetes, which often includes more complicated health problems like kidney disease and blindness.
8. Oral Health
AHCCCS has committed to improving oral health care by targeting specific communities and populations which face disparities in access to oral health care. AHCCCS is partnering with many health care agencies, including the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral health Programs. The collaborative aims to address gaps in the availability of dental healthcare, especially in high-need areas where access to dental care is limited.
9. Behavioral Health Crisis System
AHCCCS invests in a Behavioral Health Crisis System to ensure that individuals facing a behavioral health crisis receive treatment through a coordinated health care system. The system provides a continuum of care, including crisis stabilization, detoxification, and rehabilitation services. Additionally, the system includes mobile crisis units, peer support, and transitional services. This system provides care for individuals who may be discharged from a comprehensive or acute care facility, reducing the financial burden on Arizonians.
10. Value-based Payment
Finally, AHCCCS has implemented a value-based payment system that encourages healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care that is affordable while reducing the financial burden for consumers. This model incentivizes healthcare providers and managed care organizations to deliver top-notch service based on predetermined and measurable outcomes. It provides more transparency for both consumers and healthcare providers, thus improving accountability for the quality of care provided.
In Summary
AHCCCS has taken several steps to improve access to and affordability of health care services in Arizona. With the increasing focus on telehealth, data sharing, value-based payment, and other initiatives, the AHCCCS is ensuring that individuals and families in Arizona have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare services. The collaborative efforts ensure that healthcare providers work together to improve the health and wellness of all Arizonians.
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