Governor Katie Hobbs announced changes last week to Arizona's disability services system, directing state agencies to pause care hour reductions and create new exceptions for families caring for children with complex needs.
The governor ordered the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to build flexibility into a recently implemented assessment tool used to determine care hours for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The directive comes after families raised concerns about reductions to their attendant care and habilitation services.
"Arizonans with disabilities and their families deserve to have a say in decisions that affect their lives," Katie Hobbs said in a statement, emphasizing her commitment to protecting healthcare access while ensuring the program remains financially sustainable.
New Directive
Under the new directive, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) will delay further hour reductions while families navigate a newly created exception process. The process will allow parents and caregivers to request reviews when children require extraordinary care beyond what the standardized assessment determines.
Attorney General Kris Mayes approved the changes, expediting implementation while a formal public comment period follows. Hobbs thanked Mayes for helping speed the process.
The revised assessment tool will continue evaluating care needs for children receiving services through DDD and the Elderly and Physically Disabled program, considering complex medical situations as well. Families, providers, and clinicians will have opportunities to suggest additional changes during upcoming public comment sessions.
Exception Process
State officials plan to host virtual information sessions in coming weeks to help families understand the modified tool and exception process. The sessions aim to increase transparency as AHCCCS works with contractors to implement the emergency rules.
Hobbs positioned the announcement as pushback against federal healthcare cuts, saying she would "stand up and fight to protect" services even as "reckless Washington politicians strip health care away from everyday people."
The governor emphasized this order is to help families of children with disabilities understand the modified assessment tool and exception process.
