AZ Gov. Doug Ducey outlines state's response to growing coronavirus spread
PHOENIX - In a Wednesday news conference, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey listed several ways the state is aiding those impacted by the coronavirus spread.
HEALTH INSURANCE
In a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, Ducey requested for a special enrollment period in the Federal Insurance Marketplace.
"If granted, the action would allow individuals who have recently lost a job or had their income reduced due to COVID-19 to access health care on the federal marketplace," Ducey said.
The state received a Medicaid waiver that will ensure that no child on KidsCare will lose insurance because parents can’t afford the premium, Ducey said.
Health care insurance companies are asked to expand telemedicine coverage for all services that would normally be covered for an in-person visit.
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MEALS ON WHEELS/FOOD BENEFITS
The state received more than $5.3 million to fund programs that bring food into Arizona communities.
The dollars will support both meal delivery programs and programs serving senior centers.
He announced efforts to expand federal food assistance programs that will allow the purchase of hot meals with these benefits and result in timelier approval of eligibility.
PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
The state has secured a significant supply of N95 masks, many coming from tech company Intel, which donated 50,000 masks.
CHILD CARE
Ducey is working with Kathy Hoffman, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, to set up enrichment centers for children of essential workers so that they can get childcare.