At the Nov. 12 Senate HHS hearing, new AHCCCS Director Ginny Rountree pledged a fraud crackdown and outside claims help to speed legitimate payments. Lawmakers flagged the $650M ProMD case, wider fraud near $2.8B, year-long reviews, and provider closures hurting patients. Our recap tracks promises vs. results.

From surviving the streets of Phoenix to confronting Arizona’s sober-living fraud crisis, Jared George Kenny Marquez of the San Carlos Apache Tribe shares his powerful story of loss, resilience, and hope—and the work still being done to protect Native lives.

Arizona senators grilled AHCCCS for four hours on October 1 about Medicaid sober living fraud and about harm from the state response. Advocates said recruiting continues and people are still dying. Providers described payment delays for Native patients. AHCCCS defended its process while senators demanded accountability.

Fraudulent sober-living programs have targeted Indigenous people across Arizona. Recruiters lure people with cash, vans, and false promises, then bill Medicaid for services never provided. Learn the 10 key red flags of fake treatment, how to quickly verify a provider’s license, and where to report concerns to protect your family and community.