Senator Werner Reaffirms Oversight Focus Ahead of AHCCCS Accountability Hearing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 26, 2026
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— With key questions still unanswered, Senator Carine Werner is convening an oversight hearing this week to examine AHCCCS decisions that disrupted care and left patients and providers in limbo.
The hearing comes after months of testimony and document production that raised serious concerns about agency decision-making, provider terminations, and the ongoing disruption of care for Arizona patients. Providers remain sidelined, services continue to be limited, and families are still struggling to access timely treatment.
"This committee has uncovered a pattern of decisions that had real consequences for patients and providers across Arizona," said Senator Werner, Chair of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee. "Despite multiple hearings, there are still unanswered questions about how these decisions were made and why safeguards failed after billions of dollars in Medicaid fraud came to light."
Senator Werner introduced multiple measures this session aimed at strengthening oversight and restoring accountability within AHCCCS and the Arizona Department of Health Services, with a focus on protecting patient access to care and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.
"The goal is not just to identify failures, but to ensure they are not repeated. Leadership changes alone will not fix what's broken," said Senator Werner. "The public deserves clear answers, real transparency, and a Medicaid system that works for the people who rely on it. This committee will continue pressing for accountability until that happens."
The Senate Health & Human Services Committee will convene Thursday, January 29, at 10:30 a.m. or upon the conclusion of floor proceedings, to continue its oversight review of AHCCCS operations and accountability gaps.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus