Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association applauds Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee's approval of HB2035
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release │ March 12, 2024
Media Contact: Dillon Rosenblatt │602-445-4312 │[email protected]
The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) expresses its deep appreciation as the Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee approves HB2035, the Health Insurance Accountability bill, with a 5-0 vote. This endorsement signifies another crucial milestone in the ongoing endeavors to address critical issues aimed at holding health insurance companies accountable.
This achievement owes much to the leadership and diligent efforts of bill sponsor Rep. David Cook.
We also wish to extend our gratitude to the hospitals and communities across Arizona whose unwavering support has been instrumental in advancing this legislation.
Representatives from Wickenburg Community Hospital in Wickenburg, Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center in Globe, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita at Community Health Systems in Sahuarita and others shared why the passage of HB2035 would be beneficial to their respective hospitals and patients across the state.
Neal Jensen, the CEO of Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, debunked some misleading remarks the opposition has said regarding increases costs.
"The insurance companies will tell you the bill will increase costs. It will increase costs for them," he said before the committee members. "But it'll decrease costs for everyone else in the system," he added.
After passing the Arizona House in February 57-1, the Senate Health Committee followed suit to pass the bill unanimously.
As the bill progresses through the Arizona Senate, AzHHA remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts, urging state senators to support this critical piece of legislation. AzHHA reaffirms its dedication to collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to enact meaningful reforms that benefit patients, providers, and the entire healthcare community.
For more information about HB2035 and AzHHA's advocacy initiatives, please visit azhha.org.
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About the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
AzHHA is the association giving Arizona hospitals a voice to collectively build better healthcare and health for Arizonans. As the champion for healthcare leadership in Arizona, AzHHA and its member hospitals explore ideas and take collaborative action at the state capitol, in hospitals and at home to attain the best healthcare outcomes for Arizonans. Through Better Care, Better Health, and Lower Costs, we will make Arizona the Healthiest State in the Nation. Visit https://www.azhha.org for more information.