PHOENIX -- Gov. Jan Brewer says funding for organ transplants has been restored to the state's Medicaid program.
"Everyone who was on the list will be put back on the list," she said Tuesday morning after delivering a speech on health care.
Nevertheless, democratic lawmakers question whether the money is really there.
The restoration comes in an amendment to budget bill SB 1619 and says it is the intent of the Legislature that coverage of all transplant services that were eliminated be funded.
House minority leader Chad Campbell said the wording is confusing. He said there are questions as to whether money has specifically been allocated for the transplants, and where that money would come from.
"This is just an intent clause," Campbell said. "We use intent clauses all the time down here. What we need is money attached to the program."
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) officials said once Brewer signs the budget, they will begin sending out letters to patients letting them know about changes that might allow them to get back on transplant lists.
The funding was cut last year. At least two people awaiting transplants through AHCCCS have died since then.
Brewer has until Thursday to sign the budget bills.
Savannah Wood, 24, of Peoria, suffers from cystic fibrosis and is in need of a double lung transplant. She is on AHCCCS and is confused by the latest developments.
"I don't know when I can be put on a list," she said. "There's a lot to it."
To learn more about Savannah you can visit her website, www.giveforward.com.
