The Arizona Society of Otolaryngology remains committed to advancing policies that improve patient care and support our specialty. We are pleased to share recent legislative victories and ongoing advocacy efforts that directly benefit Arizona patients and ENT practitioners.
2025 Legislative Session – Major Victory
SB 1741: AHCCCS Coverage for Cochlear Implants and Speech Therapy
PASSED – The Arizona Society of Otolaryngology is proud to announce the successful passage of legislation expanding access to life-changing hearing healthcare for Arizona’s most vulnerable populations.
Bill History and Passage:
- Originally introduced as SB 1207, sponsored by State Senator Vince Leach.
- Cleared all committees and both chambers with strong bipartisan support.
- In the final stage, as it was transmitted to Governor Hobbs, the legislation was reposted as SB 1741 and signed into law. It is now officially listed under SB 1741 on the government website and in the state budget.
What the Bill Accomplishes:
- Cochlear Implant Coverage: Requires AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid program) to provide coverage for cochlear implants to eligible individuals who are at least 21 years old
- Speech Therapy Coverage: Mandates coverage for essential speech therapy services that are critical for cochlear implant success
- Adult Access: Fills a critical gap in coverage for adults who previously faced barriers to these life-changing devices
Impact on Patients: This legislation removes financial barriers that have prevented many Arizona adults from accessing cochlear implants, which can restore hearing and dramatically improve quality of life. The inclusion of speech therapy coverage ensures patients receive comprehensive care needed for optimal outcomes.
Impact on ENT Practice: Arizona otolaryngologists can now provide these essential services to a broader patient population, knowing that AHCCCS will provide appropriate coverage for both the devices and necessary follow-up care.
Enhanced Advocacy Partnership
Fennemore Craig Partnership
The Arizona Society of Otolaryngology has partnered with Fennemore Craig and lobbyist Alexis Glascock, Esq. Alexis will serve as the Society’s government relations representative at the Legislature, Governor’s Office and state agencies to advance their healthcare policy objectives. She is also Chair of Fennemore Law’s Government Relations and Regulatory Practice Group in Arizona and the other state where they have offices to strengthen our legislative presence and ensure ENT physician voices are heard in policy discussions affecting our patients and practice.
This partnership enhances our ability to:
- Monitor and influence healthcare legislation
- Advocate for patient access to specialized ENT care
- Address regulatory and reimbursement challenges
- Build relationships with key policymakers
Looking Ahead
The Arizona Society of Otolaryngology continues to monitor legislation that impacts:
- Patient Access to Care: Ensuring coverage and access to specialized ENT services
- Practice Sustainability: Addressing reimbursement and regulatory challenges
- Innovation: Supporting policies that enable adoption of new technologies and treatments
- Scope of Practice: Protecting the ability of ENT specialists to provide comprehensive care
Get Involved
Stay Informed: Members receive regular updates on legislative developments through our communications and newsletters.
Take Action: When advocacy opportunities arise, we’ll provide easy ways for members to contact legislators and make their voices heard.
Contact Us: For questions about our advocacy efforts or to share concerns about legislative issues affecting your practice, please contact us at [contact information].
The Arizona Society of Otolaryngology is committed to being a strong voice for ENT physicians and their patients in Arizona. Through strategic advocacy partnerships and active engagement in the legislative process, we work to ensure policies that support excellent patient care and a thriving ENT community.
Last Updated: August 2025
