Executive Summary & Survey Overview

Key findings from the Independent Center Voice Arizona Statewide Healthcare Benchmark Survey (Field Dates: August 14–18, 2026 | n=650 Adults/Voters | MoE ±3.84%) reveal a powerful, tripartisan mandate for local, provider-led health system management in state Medicaid (AHCCCS) contracts. Arizona voters overwhelmingly reject corporate insurance practices that delay care or obscure costs, demanding strict financial transparency, verified network accuracy, prior-authorization reform, and guaranteed continuity of care for vulnerable populations.

Core Policy Pillars & Survey Benchmark Citations

1. Guarantee Published Denial Metrics & Accelerated Turnaround for Acute Care

• "59% of adults demand state limits and monthly public reporting on prior-authorization denial rates."
  
  • Party Breakdown: Supported by 57% of Republicans, 56% of Independents, and 70% of Democrats.
  • Additional Context: 83% of Arizonans express deep concern that national corporate health plans delay or deny medically necessary care simply to boost corporate profit margins.

2. Stable Local Steward Guaranteeing Continuity for Vulnerable Populations

• "71% of Arizonans prioritize continuity with local health systems over rotating contracts among out-of-state corporate bidders."
  
  • Party Breakdown: Supported by 72% of Republicans, 71% of Independents, and 75% of Democrats.
  • Additional Context: 86% rate continuity with established local doctors and health systems as essential. 66% trust local, provider-led Arizona health systems to manage AHCCCS over national corporate insurers (17%). Furthermore, 60% deem sudden cancellations of specialized care (e.g., ABA autism therapy) completely unacceptable.

3. Provide Verified Directory Accuracy Guarantees with Financial Penalties

• "55% of Arizonans favor mandatory state penalties for inaccurate behavioral health directories."
  
  • Party Breakdown: Supported by 57% of Republicans, 57% of Independents, and 56% of Democrats.
  • Additional Context: Only 16% of Arizona voters report being very confident in the accuracy of current health plan provider directories for mental health and specialty care ("ghost networks").

4. Commit to 100% Pass-Through Pricing & Open State Auditability

• "75% of Arizonans demand 100% transparent pass-through pharmacy pricing in Medicaid contracts."
  
  • Party Breakdown: Strong tripartisan consensus across 80% of Republicans, 76% of Independents, and 81% of Democrats.
  • Additional Context: 83% of adults emphasize the critical importance of partnering with health plans that have clean program-integrity records and zero history of overcharging or billing fraud.

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All metrics sourced directly from the ICV Arizona Statewide Healthcare Benchmark Survey (Field: August 14–18, 2026, n=650 Adults, MoE ±3.84%).