Beth Kohler

Phoenix is going all in on the future of health care. Our investment in ASU Health will help train a new kind of physician, one who understands medicine, technology, and data at the same time. That means better outcomes for our residents. ktar.com/arizona-educat…

UVA IS THE FIRST WOMEN'S FIRST FOUR TEAM TO EVER MAKE THE SWEET 16 👏

I continue to be flabbergasted that the WSJ continues to not understand the basic concept of…insurance.

🏥 HG was honored to join another #LACT25 panel! Doug Cole led a dynamic discussion on the Big Beautiful Bill, exploring its potential impact on the healthcare industry. @HeatherCarterAZ @bethckohler @BSKaufmann

TGOC is making their debut at The MAJORS! 💜

@tonyajoyreiner @brahmresnik @richietaylor @KFF @tonyajoyreiner this provision was not included in the final bill. Loss cited in KFF refers to limits on what state can pay providers, limits on use of certain financing mechanisms, and the loss of coverage from provisions like work requirements. Not good, but no trigger impact.

@brahmresnik @richietaylor @KFF @bethckohler Image from azahcccs.gov/AHCCCS/Downloa…

New @KFF analysis shows AZ would suffer 19% federal spending cut to Medicaid under Senate-passed budget bill: projected $35 billion over 10 years. kff.org/medicaid/issue…

The Health System Alliance of Arizona expresses profound concern and disappointment following the narrow, party-line passage of H.R. 1, "The One Big Beautiful Bill," by Congress. This legislative action includes numerous provisions that will severely destabilize Arizona’s healthcare delivery system. This decision by Congress poses far-reaching negative consequences for the healthcare of every Arizonan. We anticipate a significant increase in the number of uninsured individuals in our state and other significant hinderances to serving our growing and aging population. Substantial damage to the economic well-being of Arizona's towns, cities, counties, and the entire state will occur. The historic cuts to Medicaid funding within H.R. 1 will directly impact the capacity of our hospitals and health systems to deliver essential services to all Arizonans, not just those relying on Medicaid. These changes will inevitably force individuals seeking care into emergency departments instead of allowing them to access timely and appropriate care. This will lead to hospitals shouldering increased unpaid costs, which will ultimately drive up healthcare premiums for everyone. If you've already faced difficulties finding a doctor, securing appointments with specialists, or experiencing long waits in emergency departments, these challenges are poised to worsen significantly as a direct result of Congressional action. Arizona’s healthcare providers and the State of Arizona cannot absorb the magnitude of these cuts without having to make immediate and difficult decisions. Despite the immense challenges presented by the passage of H.R. 1, the Health System Alliance of Arizona remains steadfast in our mission to provide high-quality and accessible healthcare for all Arizonans. We will continue to advocate tirelessly for the healthcare needs of our communities.

And most importantly, patients can’t access the care they need until they are too sick to work. That can mean devastating and long term negative health outcomes.

Plans lose the ability to manage population health. Providers face more uncompensated care and see people when they are much sicker and harder to treat. States may save on enrollment, but not total spending. We all need to be prepared for the costs (both human and economic).

Why Medicaid work requirements are going to be a whole lot more complicated than you’re being led to believe - for patients, providers and health plans:

“The Medicaid cuts under consideration aren’t just a health care issue. They’re a statewide economic risk.” @dbseiden on what’s at stake for Arizona if the Senate’s Medicaid provisions advance: lost jobs, higher premiums, and billions in lost economic activity. Read more 👇

Anyone working in the states during implementation of the ACA eligibility changes remembers how challenging it is to do massive Medicaid system upgrades across all 50 states at the same time. State should get ready for a very rocky - and costly - ride. nytimes.com/2025/06/28/ups…

Some exemptions are related to health care needs and the administrative burden will fall on providers as well, to help members demonstrate they are sick enough to be exempt.

This is one area where states will have to make significant administrative investments to identify and collect regular documentation that people meet the exemptions (beyond the infrastructure needed to collect documentation demonstrating work).

Policymakers in Congress are considering cutting Medicaid funding, threatening healthcare coverage and access to 24/7 care for Arizonans. Tell your members of Congress to protect AHCCCS coverage for Arizona families! votervoice.net/AZ4BHC/Campaig…

Former Governor Jan. Brewer (R-AZ) nails it..."That kind of shift would dump massive costs onto the state without a roadmap for how to cover them. And as every governor knows — Democrat or Republican — we can’t just print more money." azcentral.com/story/opinion/…

Thank you, @GovBrewer!

We should all take a moment to hear her story of why this was the right decision for AZ then, and take lessons from her experience as we contemplate the future of this critical program now.

@GovBrewer has long been a champion of smart, efficient government like AZ’s Medicaid program @AHCCCSgov. She bravely led efforts to honor the will of AZ voters and provide coverage for thousands of AZ residents. azcentral.com/story/opinion/…