By Jonathan Eberle |
State lawmakers will hold a third public oversight hearing in the coming days to examine ongoing concerns surrounding the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state’s Medicaid program, as questions persist over fraud, service disruptions, and access to behavioral health care.
Sen. Carine Werner (R-LD4), who chairs the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, announced that the hearing will take place Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. in Senate Hearing Room 1. The session will be open to the public and media, with a livestream expected to be posted on the legislature’s website.
The upcoming hearing comes amid continued fallout from large-scale Medicaid fraud schemes that exploited system vulnerabilities and led to significant billing losses. According to lawmakers, the issue has contributed to widespread service interruptions and difficulties for some patients and behavioral health providers trying to access or deliver care.
Werner has requested testimony from AHCCCS Director Ginny Rountree and senior members of the agency’s leadership team. Legislators are expected to press the agency for updates on enforcement efforts, provider reinstatement processes, and long-term plans to stabilize services. Officials from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) have also been asked to appear to address questions related to licensing and oversight of behavioral health providers.
“Arizona families and providers deserve honesty, transparency, and meaningful corrective action,” Werner said in an announcement. “The public deserves to know what happened, what is being done now, and how we ensure this never happens again.”
Lawmakers also plan to review AHCCCS’ response to information and document requests issued by the committee. The findings could influence whether legislators pursue additional policy or statutory changes aimed at strengthening oversight and preventing further misuse of public funds. The hearing marks the latest step in a months-long legislative inquiry as state officials continue efforts to restore stability and public trust in Arizona’s Medicaid system.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.