ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2631
Purpose
Requires the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) administration to
study and report on the feasibility of requiring providers to electronically match finger images of
AHCCCS clients to verify eligibility before services can be provided.
Background
Since the onset of automated data collection and tracking systems, errors in client records
have proliferated. A mistake with one data element, such as a slight variation on the spelling of a
name or a wrong digit in a date of birth, has caused difficulty locating client records, duplicate records
on the same clients and other costly mistakes.
The Department of Economic Security (DES) recently implemented electronic finger imaging
in local family assistance offices to verify client eligibility and enrollment in cash assistance programs.
Electronic comparison of fingerprints is easier and more accurate than the human method of looking
for similar spellings or numbers. Locating and verifying client records by imaging should prevent
multiple enrollment for benefits.
The proposed legislation requires AHCCCS to study the feasibility of using finger imaging
at the initial point of service to determine and prevent multiple enrollment. AHCCCS provides
medical services through public and private providers rather than cash benefits at state offices, so it
is uncertain whether this method of verifying client eligibility would be cost effective.
Provisions
1.
2.
3.
HS 2/18/99 DPA 3-0-2-1
3rd Read 3/15/99 38-15-7-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 24, 1999
AHCCCS; eligibility; finger imaging
House Action
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