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smurphy6600

Health Net lawsuit reveals the financial engine of drug rehab industry - 0 views

  • The only "Obamacare" health insurer in metro Phoenix and Pima County is ensnared in a legal dispute with several addiction treatment centers over the cost of care amid an Arizona opioid epidemic that is taking an average of two lives each day. 
  • Maricopa County Superior Court lawsuit
  • widespread fraud among Arizona and California drug rehab centers in 2015 and 2016, when it alleges"teams of brokers" recruited out-of-state clients to fraudulently obtain insurance policies and to seek treatment in Arizona.
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  •  residential “sober homes”
  • headaches for local government officials as they try to determine how to manage the unregulated industry.
  • Prescott, which once claimed more than 100 sober homes, has adopted regulations to provide more oversight of them.
  • Federal and state prosecutors have aggressively pursued cases in Florida and California in connection with fraudulent activities such as patient brokering.
  • There have been no criminal cases filed in Arizona, however. 
  • Six of the rehab facilities that accuse Health Net of improperly withholding payments are in Prescott: Chapter 5 Counseling, Prescott House, Compass Recovery Center, Clean Adventures of Sober Living, Decision Point Center and Carleton Recovery Centers.
  • Three others, T R U Recovery Solutions, North Ridge Counseling and Desert Cove Recovery, list Scottsdale addresses. 
  • The rehab facilities allege that Health Net improperly withheld payments to virtually every rehab center in Arizona and southern California beginning in January 2016. Health Net halted the payments as part of an investigative audit that demanded each center provide detailed records such as proof of patients' residency and assurances that patients did not receive incentives to sign up for rehab. 
  • Health Net said in court documents that claims filed by rehab centers in Arizona soared because of widespread fraud
  • Health Net's PPO plans paid $2.4 million to all Arizona rehab centers in 2014. Those payments soared to $47.4 million in 2015
  • Those plans paid more for rehab care that year than all other types of care in Arizona, including typically expensive medical care such as cancer, heart disease and child births, according to the insurer’s counterclaim.
  • Here’s how the fraud worked, the insurer said in its counterclaim:Brokers would scout out people in 12-step programs, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, homeless shelters and jails, then refer these clients to the “highest-bidding clinic.”Clinics that were not part of the insurer’s network paid clients’ insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and co-payments.The result was that people secured Health Net coverage “arranged and bought for them by financially-interested providers for one purpose only: to obtain coverage for the limited time needed to rack up millions of dollars in substance abuse treatment.” Some clinics misrepresented the home addresses of patients, many of whom lived out of state. 
  • “a sophisticated fraud involving the fraudulent enrollment of non-Arizona residents,” who signed up for Arizona insurance policies. 
  • misrepresenting their home address
  • Clean Adventures staff member told him to list the rehab facility's address on his insurance application.
  • put him in contact with an insurance agent who suggested using Clean Adventures' address on his insurance application
  • The insurer named 10 other examples of people who lived in California, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee and Wisconsin but represented that they lived in Prescott or Scottsdale.
  • The insurer also said the rehab centers engaged in fraudulent billing, charging for services that were not medically necessary or in amounts that exceeded what the plan allowed.
  • A 2008 law called the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act requires insurance plans to provide equitable coverage for substance abuse and addiction treatment. The Affordable Care Act also requires health insurance plans cover essential health benefits, including behavioral health services, and it forbids insurers from denying coverage to individuals based on existing medical conditions. 
  • The unintended consequence was (some) addiction treatments centers began taking advantage of that and over-billing," said Angie Geren, executive director of Addiction Haven, a grassroots and advocacy organization focusing on addiction issues. 
  • House Bill 2333
  • curb the practice of paying referral fees to brokers who steer patients to rehab centers.
  • bill never made it out of committee.
  • Florida
  • "The scam starts with deceptive advertising at the beginning," Aronberg said. "You are lured down to sunny Florida with a free plane ticket, which is illegal. You are given illegal benefits to keep you there."
  • patients often find themselves booted from treatment when their insurance benefits run out.
  • incentive for people to relapse so they can obtain another round of coverage.
  • Sober Home Task Force targeting the practice of buying and selling patients battling addiction
  • Johnson said rehab centers that provide legitimate services are being harmed as insurance companies scrutinize payments and bad actors poach patients away. 
  • ken.alltucker@arizonarepublic.com
smurphy6600

First Water Supply Cuts to Hit Arizona Farmers - 2 views

  • Climate change, drought and high demand are expected to force the first-ever mandatory cuts to a water supply
  • the Colorado River
  • Arizona farmers hard.
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  • local economy will take a hit.
  • Pinal County, Arizona’s top producer of cotton, barley and livestock
    • smurphy6600
       
      This is the food shortage that our water supply shortage will lead to
  • They knew this was coming
    • smurphy6600
       
      A way to prevent food scarcity as much as possible while water shortage becomes a real time issue
  • rely on groundwater that’s already overpumped.
  • The nation’s largest reservoir already has hit the level that triggers mandatory shortages — 1,075 feet (328 meters) above sea level.
  • most deeply felt in Arizona
  • exchange for U.S. funding
  • canal
  • reservoirs dipped to historic lows across the West. Scientists blame climate change for the warmer, more arid conditions over the past 30 years.
  • melted snow from the Rocky Mountains
  • drinking water, nourishment for crops and habitat for plants and animals
  • storing water underground and in Lake Mead and through conservation.
    • smurphy6600
       
      preparing for the shortage ahead of time
  • recycled water
  • desalinating water from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.
  • all of those things need to be done.”
  • some of the water that farmers will lose will be replaced by other sources next year.
  • e groundwater infrastructure.
  • drip irrigation that makes water use more efficient and crops more productive,
  • guayule, a drought-resistant shrub that could be used in the production of rubber.
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    The article reviews recent news from Arizona government limiting water supply allotted to farmers for 2022 due to the record breaking low of the Colorado river and the status of the drought. It reviews climate changes effects on our western water supply from the Colorado River and Arizona's share of its percentage being cut by an agreement from the early 1900s. The water supply will force farmers into seeking more resourceful ways of farming from drought proof crop to reducing their growing area and crop types but ultimately demands a change in how the western states and Arizona source their water supply as it effects our food supply for the future.
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    It is truly devastating how the drought is affecting the food supply and our farmers in Arizona, there is a need for better water management, and we need a lot more water in Arizona to survive in the intense heat.
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    I can't imagine how a farmer feels. The colorado river needs a dramatic change.
rya2198591

Arizona Substance Abuse Statistics | Drug Rehab Center | Drug Detox - 3 views

  • an epidemic of alcohol and drug use in Arizona. The widespread availability of prescription painkillers, alcohol, and street drugs can lead to dependency and addiction, and Arizona substance abuse statistics are sobering.
  • Between 2018 and 2019, nearly 215,000 Arizona residents over the age of 18 were abusing pain relievers.
  • Arizona emergency rooms see a significant number of overdoses due to prescription pain relievers, and arrests for driving under the influence have increased as well.
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  • At Lakeview Health, located in Jacksonville, Florida, we provide addiction treatment for patients from Florida and across the United States, including Arizona residents. Our team offers individualized treatment options for patients across the United States, and we provide a range of programs for a variety of substances. 
    • rya2198591
       
      There seem to be well meaning Drug Rehab facilities but it looks like the one advertised here is all the way in Florida. That is not very accessible to most people. This does suggest that there might be an economic barrier to Drug Rehab quality.
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    The author of the article gives information about recent Drug abuse statistics and infographics on the trends in Arizona. The author also advertises the company Lakeview Health. While the article seems to be getting its statistics from credible sources like the CDC, its comments on how it can help people in Arizona with Drug abuse should be taken with a grain of salt because of its relation with a company bound to look for customers. (The Rehab Center is all the way in Florida).
nat2036759

Arizona's Hard Line on Immigration: Pros and Cons - 0 views

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    The pros and cons of Arizonas illegal immigration issues. Including the benefit to the GDP of Arizona and the downfall for the citizens. Arizona faces a lot of crime issues involving illegal immigration but also faces the decline of GDP while a large number of immigrants flee back home leaving companies with low paying work undone.
cmick80

HRC Local: Arizona | Human Rights Campaign (Gay Rights) - 0 views

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    Find out more about what HRC is doing for LGBT equality in Arizona and how you can get involved with the Phoenix Steering Committee. Talks about same sex marriage in Arizona. Also has links to same sex marriage in other states.
thatssimon

Deepening Water Shortage for Arizona - 0 views

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    This is about the water insecurity in Arizona. It shows how much impact drought is affecting Arizona. Also provides information on how Arizona is responding to the drought. Also provides info on what a resident in Arizona can do to resist against drought.
thatssimon

How Free is Arizona compared to the rest of the U.S? - 1 views

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    This is a article about how much freedom Arizona has compared to the rest of the other countries. It also goes to show what Arizona is best ranked in, as well as showing what Arizona is not best ranked at.
nat2036759

Immigration in Arizona: Fact Sheet (2012) - 0 views

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    This website provides facts about immigration in Arizona. The website provides facts and statistics about drugs, prison population, arrests and so on.
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    Fact sheet between the years as early as 2000 and as late as 2012. Information on the impact of illegal immigrants in Arizona, illegal alien population number, economic impact, and crime rate involving illegal immigrant.
n3n3espinoza

Expect More Arizona | Today In AZ - 0 views

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    Arizona is next to last in education and it is time for us to contribute to the changing that. There is an inspirational video that shows some ways we could help our youth. So if your interested of helping the go to this link and finds ways to help the future of Arizona.
Alysia Schmidt

Arizona | Death Penalty - 1 views

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    This article is very informational on the death penalty in Arizona. It shows a timeline on how the process started back in 1965, until current times. It ranges from hangings, to gas chambers, and now the lethal injections. There are examples provided as well on the different inmate cases that were sentenced the death penalty. It is more informational rather than argumentative on death penalties.
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    Really interesting article. I had no idea all of the problems Arizona has had and the controversies involved. The timeline helped paint the picture of the major events, all which were new to me.
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    In my opinion I'm not agree with death penalty for criminals. I know that some of them deserve death or more but I think we don't have the right to take lives away.
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    I agree with you 100%. I liked this article because it stated facts on the death penalty in Arizona(informational), but it was not argumentative. It allowed me to become more educated on the topic.
jennifertingwald

Arizona State Legislature Bill SB1376 - 511R - I Ver - 0 views

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    A copy of Arizona State Bill 1376, which was not approved, that would limit and track each individual embryo created within the state using Artificial Reproductive Technology, even though this information is already tracked at a national level.
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    A copy of Arizona State Bill 1376, which was not approved, that would limit and track each individual embryo created within the state using Artificial Reproductive Technology, even though this information is already tracked at a national level.
cmick80

Breastfeeding Law: Arizona - 1 views

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    This site talks about breastfeeding in public in Arizona. It also has links to breastfeeding laws in all states, not just Arizona.
arizonairish

Arizona Laws regarding bullying - 5 views

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    A list of Arizonas laws regarding bullying, take special note of #12 "Hold pupils to strict account for disorderly conduct on school property."
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    This is a good website as it comes directly from the AZ Legislature website and lists down all the laws in AZ that have to do with schools, including punishing students for disorderly conduct on school property.
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    I like how you provided us with a link to bullying laws here in Arizona. I think it is important for us to understand this laws and how it works. Plus, I know this is legitimate knowing it came directly from the Arizona Legislature website. I found number 18 to be interesting "Make an annual report to the county school superintendent on or before October 1 in the manner and form and on the blanks prescribed by the superintendent of public instruction or county school superintendent."
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    I was not aware that there was this much bullying laws passed in Arizona. I am happy to see that our government has taken a part of bullying.
arm2161207

Arizona sharply limits welfare to 12 months - 2 views

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    This article talks about Arizona cutting off welfare benefits after 12 months of usage. Arizona wants allocate the money into other programs. Welfare is hindering people more than helping.
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    I think if they want to get people off welfare there should be a more effective way to push everyone to get back on their feet. Have the adults do volunteer work, drug testing and education and or work training to fall back on when the benefits are cut off. This will help with the adults who have no work experience or education, prevent drug users from taking advantage of the help and maybe some people will think I should just get a job that pays more. Mcdonalds pays $11.00 an hour now and you don't need an education to start plus they help pay for you to continue your education as a benefit. I was a single mom for 7 years, the struggle is real. After several different jobs I finally got stable at one, went to school full-time for 3 years then took a break, rented my own place, had a bucket for a car but got me where I needed, sacrifice and determination got me far without government help. Had I had government help maybe I would have been done with school years ago at 28 and I wouldn't be furthering my education now at 36.
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    I was also a single parent of three for 13 years and yes the struggle is real but at what point do you say enough is enough? I agree people need help sometimes to get back on their feet but when do we put a limit on it? Unfortunately some do take advantage of the system and do not even put in the effort to be independent.
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    I am not a mother personally, I can only imagine the struggles of having children, I can barely make it alone. However i have witnessed people around me who take advantage of this system and have heard others who pay taxes vent about how it is unfair. I agree that it would be a good idea for the government to have more opportunities for these families to get back on their feet. Drug testing would be a good idea and work experience would help them once their 12 month period ends to find an appropriate job to help with their finances.
Yesenia Arellano

COVID-19 Impact on Arizona Students Education and Economically - 4 views

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    Amidst the global pandemic, Arizona states students are failing statewide tests in both English and Math this spring with alarming numbers. Education officials had previously advised "extreme caution" in regards to making conclusions based on the number of cases. Disruptions to in-person learning during the pandemic due to the dramatic impact on student learning suggest "inferences may be invalid", according to the department. This years tests also painted a demographic split as White and Asian students passed these exams at twice as POC students. COVID-19 pandemic has had a disparate impact on communities of color, both economically and in loss of life.
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    That's crazy to hear Covid has had such a negative impact on students performance in school, it's really disheartening. It is a rough transition going from learning in school, then trying to teach yourself through online school in quarantine, it's definitely not for everyone.
thatssimon

We need to rethink how to manage water in Arizona - 1 views

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    This article provides information about how Arizonans can get the security they need for water availability. The text includes details on how ground water is managed as well as utilizing the Colorado river project to help with current water concerns.
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    I've been noticing how many people are sharing their concerns with water scarcity in Arizona, which is scary to think about. Any state that has hot, dry or humid weather is at high risk of this because of how much water is needed to survive in extreme temperatures. I appreciate the efforts described in the article about projects that are contributing to water scarcity in the nation and how to conserve as much as we can. Water is truly an under appreciated thing essential for the planet's survival.
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    This is about how the water security in Arizona is bad, and is in need of management of how we use water. The water in Arizona is told to be very much an important source for Arizona and is needed for our health.
Ashley Baird

Arizona Gun Laws - 0 views

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    This website has useful information regarding Arizona gun laws. It shows What states recognize Arizona gun permits and what states we recognize permits from. This site also has a break down of the laws and other pertinent NRA information.
veronica evans

Mandatory Arizona Car Insurance - 0 views

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    Arizona has a mandatory state requirement for car insurance, that is meant to protect you and everyone else from paying out of pocket in the event of an accident. Failure to do so could lead to suspension of your vehicle registration, and/or drivers license.
veronica evans

3 Reason Why Arizona Is Ground Zero for Immigration Policy - 0 views

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    In 1970 hispanics made up 17% of Arizona residents, now they make up more than 30%. Being that is percentage dramatically increased, Senator Russell Pearce campaigned on strictor immigration policies. Which then lead to Republican Govenor Jan Brewer to sign SB1070 , that basically fosters a culture for racial profiling, but others say its necessary to crack down on illegal immigrants in the United States.
cmick80

Same Sex Marriage in Arizona - 0 views

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    Although it is a religious tolerance group, it does have some good information and links about same sex marriage here in Arizona. It also talks about the Lawrence v. Texas case.
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    Although it is a religious tolerance group, it does have some good information and links about same sex marriage here in Arizona. It also talks about the Lawrence v. Texas case.
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