Time running out to register for the 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.
The Oct. 5 deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration information.
Medicare Advantage insurers adjusting to new D-SNP enrollment rules.
Time is running out to register: 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference
This educational event is dedicated to supporting a vibrant healthcare delivery system, including a robust network of acute care, critical access, specialty, behavioral health and post-acute care hospitals.
What you need to know: Only one week left to register!
The deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Oct. 5 is the cutoff: Check your voter registration now
Why it matters: Arizona doesn't offer same-day registration.
If your registration isn't current by Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, you can't update it at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
The deadline: Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, 29 days before the General Election.
That same deadline applies to updating an existing registration, not just to new voters.
Who needs to act: This is not just a first-time voter issue. You need to update your registration by Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, if you have any of the following:
Moved, including a move within the same county.
Changed your name.
Changed your mailing address.
Changed, or want to change, your party affiliation.
Your early ballot is mailed to the address on your registration record, so an outdated address means it is mailed to a place you no longer live.
How to register or update:
Check first: Confirm your current status at my.arizona.vote before doing anything else.
Online: Go to azmvdnow.gov if you have an Arizona driver's license or a non-operating ID card issued by MVD. This is the fastest option.
Paper: Complete the Arizona Voter Registration Form and return it to your County Recorder. If you're mailing it, do not wait until the last day.
In person: Your County Recorder's office accepts applications directly.
One thing to know about proof of citizenship: Arizona requires documented proof of citizenship to vote a full ballot.
An Arizona driver's license or non-operating ID issued after Oct. 1, 1996, generally satisfies this requirement, so most voters are already covered.
Registrants who don't provide proof are designated "federal-only" voters and can vote only in presidential and congressional races. If you receive a notice from your County Recorder about this, respond promptly.
The bottom line: Take two minutes this week to confirm your registration and update your address if you've moved. This way you’re set for the Nov. 3 General Election.
Medicare Advantage insurers adjust to new D-SNP enrollment rules
Why it matters: Medicare Advantage insurers that serve people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid are facing new regulatory requirements that could reshape enrollment strategies and future growth.
Federal policymakers are pushing health plans toward deeper integration between Medicare and Medicaid benefits, increasing pressure on insurers that have relied on Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) as a key growth segment.
The big picture: Beginning in 2027, health plans will need to meet stricter alignment standards between D-SNP offerings and state Medicaid programs.
Regulators believe greater integration can improve care coordination, streamline services and reduce administrative burdens for beneficiaries who often have complex medical and social needs.
Insurers that fail to meet these requirements risk losing enrollment opportunities and could see members transition to more integrated plans.
What they're watching: Many insurers are strengthening partnerships with state Medicaid agencies and investing in care management programs to prepare for the changes.
The evolving rules are expected to drive additional consolidation and innovation as organizations compete to offer more coordinated care models.
The bottom line: The new requirements mark another step in the federal government’s effort to create a more integrated healthcare experience for dual-eligible beneficiaries, while forcing Medicare Advantage organizations to rethink long-term growth strategies.
Strengthening the Rural Nursing Workforce: Transition to Practice as a Statewide Strategy webinar
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, a webinar hosted by the American Organization for Nurse Leadership will highlight the Arizona Transition to Practice Program.
Karen Ofafa, EdD, MPH, BSN, R.N., vice president of Workforce and Clinical Excellence at AzHHA, will share implementation strategies, sustainability considerations and lessons learned that can inform broader efforts to strengthen the rural nursing workforce.
The big picture: The session will explore how structured support for new graduate nurses and nurses transitioning into new specialties can improve confidence, competence and connection during critical career transitions.
Participants will also learn how investing in preceptors, mentors and nurse leaders builds the local infrastructure needed to sustain transition-to-practice models in resource-constrained settings.
Rural voters cite healthcare costs as a top concern
Why it matters: A new KFF/AP Rural Voters Survey shows that healthcare affordability remains a major concern for rural Americans as voters look ahead to the 2026 midterm elections.
While economic pressures remain the dominant issue, healthcare costs are increasingly viewed as a significant contributor to financial strain.
The big picture: According to the survey, rural voters continue to lean Republican, but concerns about the cost of living have intensified.
Respondents reported worries about rising healthcare expenses, access to providers and the overall affordability of care in rural communities.
Many surveyed voters said recent healthcare policies have negatively affected costs and access, highlighting frustration that crosses political lines.
By the numbers: The survey found that healthcare costs rank among the most important issues influencing rural voters.
Many respondents expressed limited confidence in either political party’s ability to effectively address rising healthcare expenses, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the healthcare system.
Why it matters for healthcare leaders: Rural communities often face provider shortages, longer travel distances for care and higher barriers to accessing services.
As a result, affordability and access concerns can have an outsized impact on voter sentiment.
The bottom line: Healthcare affordability is emerging as a critical election issue in rural America, suggesting policymakers and industry leaders will face increasing pressure to address costs and access challenges.
Lawmakers from both parties are increasingly questioning whether PBM business practices contribute to higher prescription drug costs and reduced competition.
The big picture: PBMs were originally created to help manage prescription drug benefits and negotiate lower prices.
However, critics argue that industry consolidation and vertical integration have transformed these organizations into powerful intermediaries that can influence what patients pay for medications and where they obtain prescriptions.
The debate has intensified as patients, employers and independent pharmacies raise concerns about transparency and affordability.
What’s happening: Tennessee has become one of several states considering policies that would prevent companies from owning both PBMs and retail pharmacies.
Supporters contend such measures would increase competition and protect independent pharmacies, while opponents argue the changes could disrupt access and increase costs in the short term.
The debate: PBM industry representatives maintain that they help reduce overall drug spending through negotiations with manufacturers.
Critics counter that the current system lacks transparency and creates financial incentives that may not always benefit consumers.
The bottom line: Despite disagreements over the solution, frustration with prescription drug costs has created unusual bipartisan momentum for PBM reform at both the state and federal levels.
AzHHA releases DataGen reports
In relationship with DataGen, AzHHA distributes reports to hospitals based on information submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DataGen generates hospital-specific reports which are sent to AzHHA hospital members as part of their membership.
Why it matters: This data helps hospitals understand the financial impact of proposed changes and annual updates.
The reports can also assist in preparing budgets or benchmarking results with other similar organizations.
Friday, Oct. 16, 2026 – APIC Grand Canyon Fall Conference Join infection prevention professionals and healthcare partners from across Arizona at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix for Mission Possible: Zero Harm. Whether you’re new to infection prevention (IP) or a seasoned IP, you’ll find practical takeaways, fresh perspectives and opportunities to learn from experts and colleagues across the state. Register now.
Oct 16-18 – AzAHQ Quality Journey Course Where are you on your quality journey? Have you thought about seeking certification in quality? This course is designed for healthcare professionals who are interested in learning more about healthcare quality and preparing for certification, and it will review key milestones in the quality journey. Register today.
Oct. 21-23 – 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference The 2026 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference will be held at the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort on Oct. 21-23. This will be an inspirational gathering of more than 200 hospital and healthcare executives seeking opportunities for continuing education, meaningful discussion and relationship building. Registerby Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Save the date: Jan. 8-9, 2027 – 3rd National Pediatric Disaster Conference The conference, which will be held in Scottsdale, Ariz., will focus on pediatric mass casualty incidents and innovative approaches to strengthening preparedness, response and recovery efforts for children. AzCHER encourages members to save the date and take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect and strengthen pediatric readiness. Registration details coming soon.
