Paula Blankenship

Communications professional with two decades of award-winning work in journalism, corporate communications, promotional video, public relations and higher education. Always seeking opportunities to serve the public good.

Author's Posts

Healthgrades Recognizes 19 Arizona Hospitals for Specialty Excellence

The annual recognition highlights hospitals that rank among the top 10% nationwide for clinical outcomes in 16 specialty areas, including stroke care, orthopedics, gastrointestinal surgery, and more. Several Arizona hospitals are honored for the first time this year while others are repeatedly high performers in selected...
Arizona News

Arizona Health Systems Receive Nearly $500K to Expand Children’s Care

In Flagstaff, Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Children’s Health Center received a $270,000 donation from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona to upgrade pediatric rehabilitation and diagnostic services. Also this week, the Scottsdale Saguaros granted $250,000 to the Banner Health Foundation to support Banner Children’s...
News

REPORT: Four Steps to Successful Value-Based Payment

This Center for Healthcare Quality & Reform report argues most value-based payment programs have failed to meaningfully reduce healthcare costs or improve patient outcomes. In many cases, spending has actually increased, while patients with complex needs have found it harder to access adequate care. The problem isn’t lack of...
Arizona News

$8B DSH Cut Hits as Congress Stalls, Arizona Hospitals Ready for Impact

In October, a whopping $8 billion reduction in Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments took effect. More cuts are queued up for January 2026 and January 2027, bringing the total hit to $24 billion. Meanwhile, the government shut down on Oct. 1, and the House isn’t even in session—so don’t expect relief soon. State...
Arizona News

AHCCCS PMPM Capitation Rates Rise 5% Effective October 1, 2025

On September 5, 2025, AHCCCS submitted its actuarial analysis and draft 2025–2026 capitation rates for managed care organizations (MCOs) to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC). On October 1st the AHCCCS rates became effective with an overall per-member-per-month (PMPM) capitation rate growth of 5.18% across all Arizona...
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