Qualified Vendors and Providers

The Division's Network Unit hosts monthly meetings for specific provider types. Qualified Vendors can submit topics to be considered for provider meetings.

Provider Type Legend

• TS = Therapy Services
• DH = Developmental Homes
• IH = In-Home Services
• DP = Day Programs
• GH = All Group Homes
• E = Employment
• HHS = Home Health Services
• T = Transportation

Printable Statewide Qualified Vendor/Provider Meeting Schedule

Please contact [email protected] to be added to the mailing list.

2025 Meeting Schedule and Recordings

2024 Meeting Schedule and Recordings

2023 Meeting Schedule and Recordings

The Division has published an Electronic Visit Verification page with additional information about EVV.

DDD and AHCCCS EVV Presentation - August 25, 2022

View recording of the EVV Question and Answer session held on August 25, 2022

DDD Services Required to Use EVV

• Attendant Care
• Homemaker/Housekeeping
• Habilitation Hourly
• Home Health (Nursing)
• Respite

AHCCCS Resources

• AHCCCS Website
• [email protected] - Technical Assistance

Sandata Customer Care

Sandata System Questions/Issues

• 1-855-928-1140
• [email protected]

Alternate EVV Vendor Questions/Issues

• 1-844-289-4246
• [email protected]

Additional Resources

• AHCCCS, DDD and Sandata Qualified Vendor Meeting - January 28, 2021 (Video)
• AHCCCS, DDD and Sandata Qualified Vendor Meeting - January 28, 2021 (PDF)

• DDD QVA User Guide and Manual  
• Billing for Third Party Liability & Duplicates
• Email DDD about Third Party Liability Benefits (Member Insurance Update Requests only) 
• Email DDD about Third Party Liability Waiver Requests
• COBV Insurance Waiver Request Form
• Vendor Account Set-up and Payment Information (Arizona W9)
• Sole Proprietor Waiver (Department of Administration)
• Rate Information

Understanding DDD's AAC Program

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) works with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). They help people who are part of the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) by giving them healthcare coverage. This includes special services, tools, and extras for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). 

These DDD Health Plans Cover AAC Supplies and Services 

1. Mercy Care Plan (MCP) 
2. United Health Care Community Plan (UHCCP)
3. AHCCCS DFSM for enrolled Tribal Health Plan Members

What is AAC?

AAC Systems are special methods used when regular talking isn't enough for everyday chatting and needs. There are two main types:

• Augmentative: This is when you can still talk but use AAC to help.
• Alternative: This is when you can't talk at all, and AAC replaces speech.

Types of AAC

1. Unaided AAC: This doesn't need any tools or gadgets. It's things like gestures or sign language. You need to be able to move your body to use it.
2. Aided AAC: This type needs tools or technology.
   
   1. Non-technology: These are simple things like boards or books with pictures. You point to these pictures to show what you mean.
   2. Technology-based: These are more advanced and use special devices or software. They can show messages on a screen or even speak out loud. There are two main kinds:
   3. Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs): These special machines talk for you. You can choose what to say using buttons or a screen. SGDs can either use recorded messages or create new words on their own.
   4. Mobile AAC Technologies: These apps or programs let computers or tablets speak for you.

Getting AAC Through DDD

Who Can Get It: The DDD offers AAC tools to people of all ages if they're needed for their health.

How It Works: Sometimes, there are limits to how much, or what kind, of AAC you can get. But if it's needed to make your health better or stop it from getting worse, these limits might not apply, especially for people under age 21.

How to Start the AAC Process?

1. Get a Prescription: Get a prescription for an AAC assessment from your primary doctor. It will be valid  for one year.
2. Find a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP): Not all SLPs can do AAC assessments. You can find an SLP that does assessments by:
   
   1. Asking your DDD Support Coordinator, UHCCP’s member services, or UHCCP DD liaisons for help finding a licensed SLP. For Mercy Care, you can contact member services for this information. Or, you can use UHCCP’s or Mercy Care’s website to find one yourself.
   2. Contact AHCCCS DFSM member services for this information. Or, you can use AHCCC DFSM’s website to find one yourself.
3. Schedule an Assessment: After picking an SLP, call them to set up your assessment.
4. Get Approval: The SLP needs to get permission (Prior-Authorization) from your health plan. The SLP will send your information to the health plan for you.
5. Appointment Time: You should get your assessment within 45 days of asking for it.
6. Approval Wait Time: The health plan should decide on your assessment within 14 days.
7. If Approved: The SLP will call you to schedule the assessment.
8. If Not Approved, you'll receive a Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination (NOA) explaining the decision and detailing your appeal rights..

What Happens During the AAC Assessment?

1. Choosing Devices: Before your visit, the SLP picks out some AAC devices for you to try.
2. Trying Devices: Up to three devices can be tried during the assessment. Other therapists, like occupational therapists or physical therapists, may be present and make a recommendation based on their skill area.
3. Device Trial: You can choose a device to try at home for 30 days. The SLP will help make sure it works for you.
4. Final Decision: If a device works well, the SLP sends a report to your doctor for their signature.

What Happens After the AAC Assessment?

1. Doctor’s Approval: After your doctor signs off on the device and training sessions, the SLP will ask your health plan for permission to get it for you. This will happen within 20 days of your assessment.
2. Submitting for Approval: They will send all the important information and a list of things you need with the device.
3. Approval Wait Time: The health plan will make a decision within 14 days.
4. If Approved: If yes, your device, training, and accessories will be ordered.
5. If Not Approved: You'll receive a Notice of Adverse Benefit Determination (NOA), explaining the decision and your appeal rights.

How Will You Receive the Device?

Delivery and Training: The device is delivered to your home. The SLP who completed your AAC device evaluation will contact you to plan your training sessions once you receive the AAC device. These sessions are for setting up the device and making any changes so it works best for you. They will be scheduled within 90 days after approval. You can contact the SLP for assistance if needed.

What Accessories May Come with an AAC System?

1. Selection Devices: Things like optical head pointers, joysticks, and scanning devices to choose letters, words, or symbols.
2. Switches and Buttons: For members who have trouble moving their arms or head.
3. Head Control Devices: Laser or infrared pointers for those who can't use their hands but can move their head.
4. Software: Special programs for the AAC device.
5. Device Case: To protect the AAC device.
6. Batteries and Charger: To power the device.
7. Power Supplies and Cables: For connecting and powering the device.
8. Sensors and Moisture Guard: To keep the device safe and working.
9. Adapters: For electrical connections.
10. Memory: Enough storage for at least three years.
11. Mounting Systems: To attach the AAC device to a wheelchair or table if needed.
12. Warranty: An extended warranty from the manufacturer.

What is Not Included with the AAC System?

1. Computers, PDAs, or non-dedicated AAC devices.
2. Items not needed for the AAC system, like printers or internet routers.

What if the AAC System Needs a Repair?

1. Approval Needed: Your health plan needs to approve all repairs.
2. One Repair Per Year: All health plans for DDD members cover one repair yearly unless the device is under warranty.
3. Warranty Check: You can ask your DDD Support Coordinator or the DME AAC vendor who gave you the device if it’s under warranty.
4. Warranty Assistance: If under warranty, the health plan helps you return the device.
5. No Coverage for Lost Information: Your health plan won’t cover lost or deleted applications if you forget your username and password.

What if You Need an AAC Replacement?

1. Life Expectancy: The device and accessories should last up to 36 months.
2. Replacement Conditions: You might get a new one if:
   
   1. It’s lost or damaged beyond repair.
   2. It’s been three years, and the device doesn’t work anymore.
   3. Your medical needs change.
   4. The device isn’t helping you, even after training.
   5. The manufacturer says it can’t be fixed.
   6. The original accessories are damaged or worn.
   7. If lost or stolen, you need a police report or a "Find My iPad" report (for iPads).
3. Who to Contact: You can ask your DDD Support Coordinator or contact the DME AAC vendor for any questions about the replacement process.

What if You Need a Re-Assessment or Changes to the Device?

Re-assessment may be necessary if your communication needs change, the device doesn't effectively support your communication, or the device isn’t meeting your needs. Approval may be required. Contact your original SLP or DDD Support Coordinator for guidance.

• Conditions for Re-Assessment:
  
  • After three months of training.
  • If your medical condition changes.
  •  If the device isn’t meeting your needs.
• Getting Approval: You might need approval for a re-assessment. Contact your original SLP or ask your DDD Support Coordinator for help.

For more information about AAC, please contact your DDD Health Plan.

• Mercy Care - 1-800-624-3879
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan - 1-800-348-4058
• DDD Tribal Health Program AHCCCS Healthcare Coordinator - 602-417-4994

The Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) strives to be respectful and responsive to the cultural and linguistic needs of the individuals and families we serve.

"Cultural competency" refers to the ability of staff to acknowledge and understand the influence cultural history, life experiences, language differences and values have on individuals and families. DDD incorporates skills, attitudes and policies that promote positive and effective interactions with diverse cultures. Communication with members, families, and groups from diverse cultures improves health outcomes and member satisfaction.

The Division’s Cultural Competency Plan encompasses the entire network of services provided by the Division, including:

• Acute Care Services
• Behavioral Health Services
• Home and Community Based Services
• Other Specialty Services

Cultural Competency, Language Access, and Family/Member Centered Care Plan CYE 2024-2025

Cultural Competency, Language Access, and Family/Member Centered Care Plan CYE 2023-2024

Cultural Competency and Family Centered Care/Language Access Plan CYE 2022-2023  

List of Interpretation and Translation Agencies

Language Assistance Notice of Non-Discrimination

Resources and Partners

• US Department of Justice, Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
• Cross Cultural Health Care Program, Equity and Inclusion Training
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health
• Physician's Practical Guide to Culturally Competent Care
• Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals (HHS)
• Guide to Providing Effective Communication and Language Assistance Services
• Provider and Patient Communication Guide
• Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence

Videos and Guides

• Providing CLAS (how to guide)
• Communication Styles (how to guide)
• Cultural and Religious Beliefs (video)
• Working Effectively with an Interpreter (checklist)
• Working with an Interpreter (video)
• The National CLAS Standards, Health Literacy and Communication

• Developmental Home Census
• Attendant Care/Housekeeping Service/Monitoring/Supervision