House committee backs bill to add an FDA‑approved sleep-apnea device to access list amid vendor and cost concerns

Summary

HB27-26 would add an FDA-approved device for mild sleep apnea to Arizona's access list. Sponsor Representative Bliss said other states approved similar measures; critics urged the item go through the formal Access/formulary process and flagged vendor-support and potential costs (device cited at $1,600).

Representative Bliss presented HB27-26 in the Committee of the Whole and asked the body to support a due-pass recommendation. Bliss said the device is FDA-approved and already in use in several other states; she argued treating mild sleep apnea could prevent costly chronic conditions.

Representative Contreras Patty, who said she is a sleep-apnea sufferer, urged the bill follow the existing process for adding devices to the Access device list and questioned vendor support and single-vendor risk. Representative Heap and others asked for analysis of patient counts who would benefit and noted the device cost of about $1,600, expressing concerns about potential fiscal impacts and program scope.

Bliss replied that more than one vendor exists and reiterated the bill is intended to improve access and reduce long-term state health costs. The Committee of the Whole adopted the HHS committee amendment and recommended the bill do pass as amended.

Next steps include technical review by relevant appropriation/coverage committees and any review needed for placement on the state's Access/device formulary.