In order to carry out the intent of Federal Fair Housing legislation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity division, requires that Community Development Block Grant entitlement jurisdictions comply with regulations to affirmatively further fair housing. This mandate is carried out by the CDBG jurisdictions, in part, by completing an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in their jurisdictions. The State of Arizona is a CDBG Entitlement Jurisdiction and has authorized the Arizona Department of Housing to conduct this analysis. HUD grantees are required to do the following:

-- Complete or update an “Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice” (AI) pursuant to HUD’s Fair Housing Planning Guidebook every three to five years in coordination with the Consolidated Planning Process.
-- Use their comprehensive AI study as the basis to formulate a “Fair Housing Plan” with measurable “actions to be taken to overcome the effects of any impediments” and take those appropriate actions.
-- Maintain records, including their AI study and records to support actions taken and to be taken in regard to implementing the Fair Housing Plan.

This AI is a supporting document to the State of Arizona Consolidated Plan and should be reviewed and evaluated within the context of that plan.

The agency is dedicated to allocating funds in a responsible manner to assist as many Arizona homeowners as possible and through ongoing adjustments to the program we remain optimistic that new avenues will be successful in reducing foreclosures and stabilizing our neighborhoods. Reports highlight the outstanding efforts of the Arizona Department of Housing, Arizona Housing Finance Authority, and the Arizona Home Foreclosure Funding corporation. We are confident that through the tireless efforts of the agency and our dedicated partners we will push through this recession and emerge stronger and better prepared for whatever challenges the future holds.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System has provided home and community-based services to long-term care beneficiaries through a waiver from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services since 1989. Through its Arizona Long Term Care System, AHCCCS provides comprehensive coverage for members residing in their own homes or approved alternative residential settings, such as assisted living facilities or group homes. Covered services include care such as home health nursing, attendant or personal care, and home-delivered meals. Members may designate a family member or friend to provide attendant care; after completion of training, these caregivers can be paid by AHCCCS.

The potential impact of diabetes on the Arizona Long Term Care System is of significant concern to AHCCCS. Based on this and previous studies conducted by AHCCCS, the prevalence of diabetes among ALTCS members is approximately 20 percent. With the number of Arizonans age 65 and older increasing 40 percent in the last decade, the proportion of ALTCS members with diabetes is likely to increase as well.

This report includes data on preventive health and chronic disease management services provided to members enrolled with nine publicly and privately operated managed care organizations, referred to as Contractors, that contract with AHCCCS to provide services under the AHCCCS ACUTE-care program. Performance measure results for services provided through the Department of Economic Security’s Division of Developmental Disabilities are reported in a separate section of the report. Results should be viewed as indicators of utilization of services, rather than absolute rates. These data allow AHCCCS and its Contractors to identify areas for improvement and implement interventions to increase the use of preventive and evidence based chronic disease management services.

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is the State's Medicaid and KidsCare program offering the following behavioral health services: Title XIX (Medicaid) Acute and Long Term Care, Acute Care, Arizona Long Term Care Services (ALTCS), Federal Emergency Services Program (FESP), and Title XXI (KidsCare).

For more information concerning comprehensive medical services and additional information regarding behavioral health services refer to the AHCCCS Medical Policy Manual.