AHCCCS received federal authority to reimburse Community Health Workers (CHWs) for services provided to Medicaid members. CHWs are an integral and essential part of the health care delivery system, often at the front lines of the intersection between communities and health care providers. CHWs often are also known by other names, such as Community Health Representatives, Patient Navigator, Promotores de Salud, Community Health Advisors, and Cultural Health Navigators, to name a few.
In 2018 the Arizona Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, House Bill 2324, which required the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to establish qualifications, a scope of practice, and core competencies for Certified Community Health Workers (CHWs). See the ADHS Community Health Workers web page.
With this federal authority, effective April 1, 2023, AHCCCS will be able to reimburse certified CHWs when their services are recommended by a physician or other licensed practitioner of the healing arts acting within the scope of authorized practice under State law. Services must be documented in the member’s medical record and may include health system navigation and resource coordination, health education and training, and health promotion and coaching.
