AZ HB2479

Director of AHCCCS must apply annually by March 30 for federal waivers to institute a work requirement for able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid benefits, requiring employment, active job seeking, or at least 20 hours per week of school or job training with monthly compliance verification.

Work requirement exemptions apply to: full-time high school students age 19+, sole caregivers of children under 6, individuals receiving disability benefits, those deemed physically or mentally unfit for employment, and individuals served by Indian Health Service or tribal/urban Indian health programs.

Director must apply for a five-year lifetime benefit limit for able-bodied adults, with exemptions for pregnant individuals, caregivers, disabled persons, students, full-time employees still meeting income limits, those under 19 at enrollment, certain eligible populations, and individuals served by Indian Health Service or tribal programs.

Director must apply for cost-sharing requirements to discourage non-emergency emergency department use and non-emergency ambulance services, but American Indians enrolled in Medicaid are exempt from any approved cost-sharing requirements.

Director must submit annual confirmation letter by April 1 to the Governor and legislative leaders confirming submission of waiver requests.