AzHHA urging refinements to the AHCCCS IAD reporting proposal.
The launch of the AzHHA Member Portal.
HRSA naming the drugs to participate in controversial 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program.
AzHHA urges refinements to the AHCCCS IAD reporting proposal
AzHHA, joined by seven other healthcare organizations, submitted a letter to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) last month raising concerns about proposed changes to AMPM Policy 961, which governs incident, accident and death (IAD) reporting.
The coalition requested a meeting with AHCCCS before the public comment period closed, aiming to ensure provider feedback is considered before finalizing the policy.
Why it matters: The proposed updates could increase administrative burden and create confusion for providers due to vague language and duplicative reporting requirements.
In the letter, AzHHA and its partners urged AHCCCS to:
Use clear and precise language in policy manuals.
Clarify and standardize terminology to avoid misinterpretation.
Avoid overly broad or ambiguous reporting requirements.
Limit duplication and streamline oversight processes.
Collaborate with providers and managed care organizations to reduce administrative burden through more efficient reporting systems.
AzHHA Member Portal launch
AzHHA is excited to introduce its new Member Portal available to hospital and healthcare members.
Why it matters: This new platform is designed to streamline your interactions with AzHHA, making it easier to access member resources, participate in forums and view and register for events.
Key features:
🔓Online forums: Organized by target audience to foster community engagement.
🔓Dynamic events calendar: Stay updated on upcoming events.
🔓Exclusive resources: Access member-only toolkits and resources.
The big picture: This upgrade is more than just a system change. It's a commitment to improving how we serve you and support your role in Arizona’s healthcare community.
What's next: Check your email for the “Welcome to AzHHA's new Member Portal” invitation and log in.
We encourage all members to explore the new AzHHA Member Portal and take advantage of its features. Share your feedback with us as we continue to enhance your member experience.
HRSA names drugs to participate in controversial 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced the list of drugs approved for its 340B Rebate Model Pilot Program, set to launch on Jan. 1, 2026:
Eliquis (Bristol Myers Squibb)
Enbrel (Immunex)
Farxiga (AstraZeneca AB)
Imbruvica (Pharmacyclics/AbbVie)
Januvia (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
Jardiance (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Novolog (Novo Nordisk)
Fiasp (Novo Nordisk)
Stelara (Janssen / Johnson & Johnson)
Xarelto (Janssen / Johnson & Johnson)
Why it matters: During the pilot program, 340B entities will no longer receive upfront discounts on these drugs.
Instead, providers will be required to pay full price upfront and initiate requests for rebates, submit data, reconcile payments and manage appeals.
For hospitals, this will delay savings and cause cash-flow issues, increase administrative costs and potentially increase financial strain.
Under the pilot program, manufacturers are required to issue refunds within 10 calendar days of submission.
Despite pushback from the American Hospital Association, AzHHA and other stakeholders, HRSA is moving forward with the pilot.
Meanwhile, in Congress, several bills have been introduced that address such issues as contract pharmacy authority and limits, patient affordability mandates, “patient” definition, child-site standards, transparency and program integrity, and adding rural emergency hospitals as 340B-eligible entities.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing on Oct. 23 to examine the 340B program's growth and patient impacts, a step that could precede a formal markup if negotiators consolidate around concepts to include in the legislation.
Apply now: Healthcare Leadership Academy
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 cohort of the Healthcare Leadership Academy (HLA).
The AzHHA Foundation partners with Creighton University’s College of Professional and Continuing Education to provide healthcare leadership and management education to rising leaders within AzHHA member hospitals.
Nine months of learning begins in March 2026 and culminates in November 2026 which includes three in-person and six virtual sessions.
The HLA is geared toward mid-level managers and early-stage executives to prepare them for C-suite positions.
This is third cohort of the HLA. Learn more about the program here.
What’s next: To apply, submit your resume, letter of support and statement of purpose in one PDF to memberservices@azhha.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura Dickscheid, vice president of member services and 2024 HLA participant, at memberservices@azhha.org.
Rural Health Transformation Program webinar
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System and the Governor’s Office will host a webinar to review Arizona’s application for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Why it matters: The RHTP is a $50 billion federal initiative designed to strengthen healthcare in rural America.
Arizona could receive up to $100 million annually for five years to improve access, quality and sustainability of care in rural communities.
What’s next:
Arizona submitted its plan on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will approve or deny proposals by Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.
Funding begins in FY 2026 and runs through 2030.
Arizona governor launches prescription drug discount cards
On Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Health Services launched AZRx.
Why it matters: This initiative allows all Arizonans to save money on their prescription drugs.
Arizonans can now sign up for a discount card through ArrayRx, a multistate public pharmacy collaborative that Arizona joined earlier this year.
This card is available at no cost and can help save up to 80% on medications.
What they’re saying:
“We applaud Governor Hobbs for expanding access to affordable prescriptions and strengthening the health of our communities and the patients we serve. The AZRx program is an important step toward making lifesaving medications more affordable and ensuring Arizonans can manage their health.”
From stabilizing bill rates to evolving labor laws, the healthcare workforce continues to change — and staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever.
National and regional bill rate trends across all major clinical disciplines.
State workforce laws including expanded temporary worker protections and liability rules.
Healthcare workforce news.
Why it matters: Whether you’re navigating contract labor challenges today or planning for tomorrow, this report provides the insights you need to make informed decisions.
To connect with an Adaptive Workforce Solutions representative, email Lisa Scalarone.
Honoring the runners up of the 2025 AzHHA Quality Awards
While the limelight often shines brightest on the winners, it’s equally vital to recognize those who closely followed in their footsteps - the runners up of the 2025 AzHHA Quality Awards.
Why it matters: Their dedication, innovation and commitment to quality have left an indelible mark on the healthcare sector, and even if they didn’t clinch the top spot, their projects have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of excellence.
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.
Command340B webinar: Rebate ready series Hosted by SunRx, there are two upcoming sessions for 340B entities to address the complex changes to 340B. You must register for each webinar to be able to see the sessions live and the recordings after. Register now for Rebate Model Briefing 2 on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, and Rebate Model Briefing 3 on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.
