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Connection Newsletter
By AzHHA Communications ● April 10, 2025
Smart Brevity® count: 4.5 mins...1252 words
This week, read about:
- Priority bills remaining in a holding pattern at the legislature and what’s next.
- CMS finalizing the 2026 Medicare Advantage final rule.
- Applications for the fifth cohort of the Arizona Transition to Practice Program.
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Legislative update: Priority bills in a holding pattern and what’s next
Today marks 88 days of the legislative session.
- The week kicked off slowly, with the Senate taking Monday off and the House running short floor agendas.
- Things picked up on Tuesday when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other officials from the Trump Administration visited the Arizona Legislature, drawing quite a bit of attention.
Here’s where things currently stand:
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Bills passed: 55
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Bills vetoed: 4
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Bills signed: 51
AzHHA remains in a holding pattern on several key bills critical to our members and Arizona's broader healthcare delivery system. These include:
What's next: These bills are still awaiting placement on a Committee of the Whole (COW) agenda or third reading in their opposite chamber.
- We're continuing to advocate for them to be heard and haven’t encountered any red flags.
- We'll keep working closely with sponsors and legislative staff to help ensure a smooth path to the ninth floor in the coming weeks.
Is it spring break if it's already 100 degrees? There’s no official word yet, but talk of a legislative break is ramping up.
- Estimates range from one to six weeks, depending on who you ask, and it could start as soon as next week.
- We're optimistic that the bills we’re tracking will move before recess begins.
We’ll continue to keep you updated as the session unfolds—heat waves and all. Stay tuned.
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CMS finalizes 2026 Medicare Advantage final rule
On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the calendar year 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) and the Part D final rule.
Provisions in the final rule include:
- Prohibiting health plans from reconsidering prior authorization for inpatient admissions after an initial authorization has been determined.
- Closing several loopholes in the appeals process including clarifying the definition of “organization determination.”
- Making changes to improve the experience for those who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.
While the proposed rule included a number of other provisions, the final rule did not include provisions on:
- Providing equity when using artificial intelligence.
- Ensuring that health plans align cost sharing of behavioral health services with traditional Medicare standards.
- Allowing Medicare and Medicare Part D programs to provide coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss.
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Arizona Transition to Practice Program: Apply now for the July 2025 cohort!
Applications are now open for the fifth cohort of the Arizona Transition to Practice Program for New Graduate Registered Nurses beginning in July 2025.
- Any Arizona healthcare facility licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services that hires new graduate registered nurses may apply.
- Priority is given to critical access hospitals or hospitals located in counties with a population of less than 500,000 people.
- Hospitals with existing 12-month Transition to Practice programs are not eligible.
Why it matters: The Arizona Transition to Practice Program:
- Supports and develops new nurses.
- Provides evidence-based professional development.
- Accelerates the novice nurse to a competent nurse more rapidly.
- Addresses resilience and emergency preparedness.
👉Applications are due Monday, May 12, 2025.
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Economic impact of Medicaid reduction
Last week, the Arizona Chamber Foundation released an economic impact report and analysis prepared by Rounds Consulting Group which shows the economic impact of potential Medicaid cuts.
Why it matters: Republicans are searching for $1.5-2 trillion in spending reductions in order to offset the President’s priorities of extending the 2017 tax cuts, increasing border security and investing in national defense.
- Although Congress has not passed on a final budget resolution, Medicaid cuts are likely to be part of the final agreement.
- Ultimately, Medicaid cuts will impact Arizona’s economy and may result in the loss of coverage for some individuals.
What the report finds: For every $1 billion reduction in federal Medicaid spending in Arizona, there will be:
- Loss of 36,400 Arizona jobs
- $1.7 billion reduction in wages and salaries
- $3.7 billion reduction in state GDP
- $138 million loss in annual taxes
The analysis further concludes that if the federal government were to eliminate the enhanced federal matching rate of 90% for the adults without dependents (0-100% FPL) and the expansion adults (100-133% FPL), and if Arizona decided not to backfill federal spending and no longer covered these populations:
- Over 500,000 adults would lose Medicaid coverage
- 130,000 Arizona jobs would be lost
- A loss of $13 billion in economic activity would occur
- The state would lose $500 million in annual tax revenues
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Dr. Oz confirmed as head of CMS
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Senate confirmed Mehmet Oz, MD, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Why it matters: Dr. Oz has not publicly endorsed or opposed severe Medicaid cuts but has indicated support for Medicaid work requirements.
- He has also stated that he intends to prioritize reducing waste, fraud and abuse as well as employing artificial intelligence for prior authorizations, to ease administrative burdens and to provide more information to patients.
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Attend the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Membership Meeting will be held from May 4-6, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: Join AzHHA at the event and on our Arizona delegation Hill visits. This is an important way we can make sure our collective voice is heard at the federal level.
The big picture: The meeting will feature insightful conversations with policymakers, legislators and thought leaders on our most pressing issues.
- You’ll connect with decision makers who create, shape and implement healthcare policy and influence the political landscape.
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Wednesday, April 16 - ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Avondale Open House
The Open House and Happy Hour event will be held from 4-6 p.m. Celebrate the Easter season with festive drinks, hors d’oeuvres and guided tours of the hospital. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. To RSVP, call 602-326-6222 or email [email protected] by Monday, April 14, 2025.
Tuesday, April 29 - Hospital Capacity Management Consortium
This free virtual event is the opportunity to connect with other healthcare capacity management professionals to innovate, find out what works and drive the field to create safer, more efficient hospitals. Register today.
Wednesday, May 13 - AHA Workshop: Community health and the environment
The workshop will be held in Scottsdale, Ariz. and will bring together frontline hospital leaders in community health strategy, population health and emergency planning to better understand opportunities and challenges related to addressing community health and the environment. Interested in attending? Contact Sean Thorton or Andrew Jager.
Friday, May 16 - Emerging Technology and Tools - What are the Risks?
Join the Association for Healthcare Quality of Arizona for this virtual event to explore the latest advancements in digital health, human factors, compliance and emerging technologies. This event features speakers, interactive discussions and practical insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare innovation. Learn more and register.
Wednesday, May 28 - Introduction to POLST
Join physician orders for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) paradigm for their one-hour virtual workshops equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources to begin using POLST in Arizona. Register here.
Sept. 7-12 - National Tribal Health Conference
This is a week-long event that serves American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes in the space of health - behavioral and public health. The conference will showcase the interconnectedness of policy, advocacy and Indian health best practices. Register by Saturday, April 12, 2025, to receive the early bird rate.
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