PHOENIX -
A new program is in the works to cover uninsured patients in Phoenix -- and city leaders say taxpayers won't have to foot the bill.
Thursday, Mayor Greg Stanton announced the "Phoenix Access to Care Ordinance."
Under the plan, federal dollars would be added to AHCCCS to help cover uninsured patients.
Arizona hospitals are seeing an influx of more than $540 million to cover the uninsured.
"Our hospitals in the city are some of the best, and the jobs are some of the highest paid jobs. People, this is really about the people as we help these institutions," said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.
Federal money would cover two-thirds of payments for the uninsured, that hospitals now handle.
The city council will vote on the plan in December.
