DDD TPL Issue

Cynthia Macluskie • July 3, 2025

Resolution To Be Announced Next Week

Many of you are aware of the recent third-party liability and billing issues affecting DDD services, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, home healthcare and possible other areas.  Some providers have been impacted negatively and been unable to receive payment or paid significantly less than normal since April 1st, 2025.


We have been actively engaged in discussions with both DDD and AHCCCS leadership to address these concerns. The advocates involved in this negotiation are all volunteers who do not benefit from this discussion and have devoted significant hours of their time in the last few weeks to provide feedback and solutions to the system.  We are not providers and simply do this because of our complex knowledge around billing, systems of care, Medicare and Medicaid.


We are grateful for families and providers who reached out to let us know of the issues facing the community. We are grateful for our relationships with DDD and AHCCCS leadership who are willing to discuss issues and receive feedback from the community.


We are pleased to share that a solution is expected to be announced next week.  Our goal remains ensuring that DDD members continue to have access to the services they need, that we have a vibrant network of providers and that DDD and AHCCCS continue to act as payers of last resort.  We are committed to working closely with state agencies to make sure members, providers and taxpayers are treated fairly.


Stay tuned - we'll share more details as soon as they are available.

Woman typing at a desktop computer in an office, seated at a white desk with a focused expression.
May 27, 2026
Learn why updating your income and household info on an ACA plan helps you avoid tax surprises, stay eligible, and access the right savings.
Scrabble tiles on red background spell “MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.”
May 20, 2026
Learn how Medicare covers mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and screenings, and how to access support when you need it.
By Cynthia Macluskie May 14, 2026
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System recently updated the ABA policy, and it is now open for public comment. There are many positive improvements within the proposal, including stronger fingerprinting, criminal background check, and abuse registry requirements for certain ABA providers. However, I do not believe the proposed protections go far enough. Children and vulnerable adults receiving ABA services often interact with many individuals throughout the day beyond credentialed clinical staff. Front office personnel, float staff, transportation staff, aides, interns, volunteers, and others may all have access to vulnerable members. Safety standards should not depend on a billing code or job title. They should depend on access to a vulnerable person. Any individual who may supervise, transport, escort, monitor, or otherwise interact with a vulnerable member should be required to complete fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and abuse registry screening before member contact occurs. In addition, providers serving vulnerable populations through Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities, AHCCCS, and contracted health plans should all be held to the same strict safety standards. Protecting vulnerable children and adults should always be the priority. If you wish to learn more please use the link below: https://scs-public.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/env_production/oid347/did200055/pid_214247/project-documents/AMPM%20POLICY%20320-S.pdf If you would lik e to comment on the policy use the link below: https://ahcccs.commentinput.com/?id=8e7uZSx2hH
Graduate in cap and gown holding diploma, standing with two smiling people outdoors.
May 13, 2026
Learn how to cope with empty nest emotions, support your child’s independence, and embrace new opportunities during this next stage of life.
Four people outdoors high-fiving and smiling near a wooden railing by the water.
May 7, 2026
Medicare expands access to virtual diabetes prevention programs and repeat participation, improving access for seniors at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Show More

Share

Woman typing at a desktop computer in an office, seated at a white desk with a focused expression.
May 27, 2026
Learn why updating your income and household info on an ACA plan helps you avoid tax surprises, stay eligible, and access the right savings.
Scrabble tiles on red background spell “MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.”
May 20, 2026
Learn how Medicare covers mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and screenings, and how to access support when you need it.
By Cynthia Macluskie May 14, 2026
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System recently updated the ABA policy, and it is now open for public comment. There are many positive improvements within the proposal, including stronger fingerprinting, criminal background check, and abuse registry requirements for certain ABA providers. However, I do not believe the proposed protections go far enough. Children and vulnerable adults receiving ABA services often interact with many individuals throughout the day beyond credentialed clinical staff. Front office personnel, float staff, transportation staff, aides, interns, volunteers, and others may all have access to vulnerable members. Safety standards should not depend on a billing code or job title. They should depend on access to a vulnerable person. Any individual who may supervise, transport, escort, monitor, or otherwise interact with a vulnerable member should be required to complete fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and abuse registry screening before member contact occurs. In addition, providers serving vulnerable populations through Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities, AHCCCS, and contracted health plans should all be held to the same strict safety standards. Protecting vulnerable children and adults should always be the priority. If you wish to learn more please use the link below: https://scs-public.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/env_production/oid347/did200055/pid_214247/project-documents/AMPM%20POLICY%20320-S.pdf If you would lik e to comment on the policy use the link below: https://ahcccs.commentinput.com/?id=8e7uZSx2hH
Graduate in cap and gown holding diploma, standing with two smiling people outdoors.
May 13, 2026
Learn how to cope with empty nest emotions, support your child’s independence, and embrace new opportunities during this next stage of life.
Four people outdoors high-fiving and smiling near a wooden railing by the water.
May 7, 2026
Medicare expands access to virtual diabetes prevention programs and repeat participation, improving access for seniors at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
A family walks across a green lawn near a wooden food cart and tropical palm trees on a bright day.
April 22, 2026
Learn how travel medical insurance can help cover emergency care, hospital stays, and evacuation costs when your domestic health plan may not protect you overseas.
A red pen rests on a white envelope marked
April 15, 2026
Unexpected medical bills are common. Learn seven simple tips to understand your health insurance, avoid costly surprises, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Two medical professionals in light blue scrubs stand behind a reception desk, one holding a tablet and one leaning forward.
April 8, 2026
Learn how to use Medicare’s Care Compare tool to evaluate hospital quality, star ratings, patient experience, and performance data to choose the best care near you.
A person wearing a light green jacket sneezes into their elbow while working on a laptop at a table.
April 1, 2026
Spring allergies can bring sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. Learn simple steps to reduce pollen exposure, manage symptoms, and make allergy season easier.
Woman in denim shirt looks at papers while sitting at a table with laptop in front of wooden wall.
March 25, 2026
Have an ACA Marketplace plan? Learn how Form 1095-A, premium tax credit reconciliation, and life changes affect your tax return, and how to avoid costly repayment surprises.
Show More