(2) When determining comparable benefits at equal or less cost as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the authority must take into consideration the recipients’ need for reasonable access to preventive and remedial care, and the contractor’s ability to assure continuous quality delivery of both routine and emergency services. [1967 c.502 §11a; 1975 c.401 §3; 1983 c.590 §9; 1985 c.747 §12a; 1991 c.66 §20; 2009 c.595 §284]