ARIZONA NEWS
Ducey announces $55M in advanced payments for Arizona hospitals
PHOENIX — Gov. Doug Ducey has announced more than $55 million to help Arizona’s hospitals endure the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System is set to work with its provider partners to make more than $50 million available to hospitals in the form of accelerated payments and advances, according to a press release issued Wednesday.
An additional $5 million will also be allocated to Arizona’s critical access hospitals to alleviate coronavirus-related costs.
A critical access hospital is a rural acute health care facility located more than 35 miles from another hospital.
“Our hospitals represent the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19,” Ducey said.
“We need them operating at full strength, which is why AHCCCS will be advancing these payments ahead of schedule. I’m grateful to AHCCCS Director Jami Snyder for her leadership and to the health care professionals across our state working day and night to provide care to those in need and save lives.”
AHCCCS is currently seeking federal approval to secure an additional $270 million in hospital advances.
Arizona Department of Health Services announced Wednesday morning an increase of 151 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the state total to 2,726 with a death toll of 80.
