WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema led members of the Arizona Congressional delegation in a letter urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to allow retainer payments for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System’s (AHCCCS) providers. Retainer payments through AHCCCS will help health care providers address economic losses due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic places substantial financial burdens on Arizona’s health care system and providers. Retainer payments through AHCCCS could allow providers to address shortfalls resulting from the loss of revenues associated with fewer elective procedures and reduced service volumes,” members of the Congressional delegation wrote.
Sinema was joined on the letter by Senator Martha McSally, Representative Tom O’Halleran (AZ-1), Representative Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-2), Representative Raúl Grijalva (AZ-3), Representative David Schweikert (AZ-6), Representative Ruben Gallego (AZ-7), and Representative Greg Stanton (AZ-9).
Since the first reported coronavirus cases in Arizona, Arizona’s health systems expended considerable sums to acquire diagnostic tests, purchase additional personal protective equipment (PPE), and increase staff to ensure the safety and health of Arizona communities. At the same time, all Arizona health care facilities experienced revenue declines of 30 to 40%, primarily related to the cancellation of elective procedures and reduced emergency department visits. Some estimates indicate that hospitals in Arizona have seen a revenue reduction of $430 million to $575 million per month since March. Retainer payments through AHCCCS will provide an important source of supplemental funding to ensure provider sustainability during this time as members of the public stay at home and reduce unnecessary visits.
Read the full letter HERE.
