In mid-December (2014) we awarded contracts for the Northern and Southern regions of the state to Health Choice Integrated Care (Northern AZ) and Cenpatico Integrated Care (in Southern AZ).  On January 2^nd United Healthcare filed a Protest with the ADHS for the award in Southern AZ, requesting an Emergency Stay and Administrative Hearing.  Last month (January 21) we denied the Protest.

United HealthCare has until tomorrow (February 20th) to file a Notice of Appeal to the ADOA Director.  If United Healthcare appeals our Decision, then we would have 21 days from the date of the appeal to file an Agency Report to the ADOA Director and interested parties.  After review of our Agency Report, the ADOA Director can issue a Stay, dismiss the appeal in whole or part, terminate the award, or schedule an Administrative Hearing.

The contracts for the Northern and Southern regions are scheduled to begin on October 1, 2015 and are three-year contracts with the option for two additional two-year extensions.