Bill > SB1072

This bill appropriates a significant amount of money, totaling $46,000,000 from the state general fund and $84,201,000 in medicaid expenditure authority, to the department of economic security for each fiscal year from 2026-2027 through 2030-2031. This funding is specifically designated to increase reimbursement rates for home and community-based services provided to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring that all such services receive an increase. Additionally, $4,000,000 from the state general fund is appropriated annually for the same period to increase reimbursement rates for room and board services for these individuals. Before implementing these rate increases, the department is required to consult with community stakeholders. The department must also report the adopted provider rates to the joint legislative budget committee by September 1st each year and implement them by October 1st. Furthermore, the department will conduct a national survey of its vendors to gather data on the direct support professional workforce, including employment length, turnover, and vacancy rates, and report these findings after three years of data collection. The joint legislative budget committee will review this workforce data, and if improvements are not seen, they may recommend withholding funding for the final two fiscal years of the appropriation. The legislature intends for these appropriations to be considered ongoing funding in future years.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83699