Three unions have challenged an Arizona budget provision that requires many government workers to make bigger contributions to their retirement benefits while providing employers with corresponding savings.

A judge refused to block a partial enrollment freeze for Arizona's Medicaid program Thursday, but the cost-saving measure is still being delayed as the state waits for federal officials to finish reviewing a proposed implementation plan.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is calling the Legislature into special session in an attempt to get lawmakers to change a formula in state law so jobless residents could continue to get 20 weeks of extended unemployment benefits.

Gov. Jan Brewer wants legislators to act in special session to prevent a cutoff of 20 weeks of extended unemployment benefits that are now at risk because Arizona's unemployment rate has dropped.

Individuals and employers in Arizona would be able to buy health insurance policies across state lines under legislation that would excuse out-of-state insurers — and possibly in-state providers — from the state's coverage mandates.