Bill > HB1588

This bill proposes to modify the existing Arkansas law governing the Department of Human Services' (DHS) authority to make changes to the Arkansas Medicaid Program by adding new requirements for approval before implementing certain actions. Specifically, the bill would require DHS to obtain approval from the Governor and Chief Fiscal Officer before increasing reimbursement rates to healthcare providers, and mandate that any rate decreases be reported to the Legislative Council. More significantly, the bill would require DHS to obtain approval from either the Legislative Council (by a two-thirds vote) or the Joint Budget Committee before applying for or implementing any Medicaid program expansion that would cover additional individuals or increase state costs. The bill includes an exception for Medicaid state plan amendments and federal waivers already in place at the time the law takes effect. The primary goal appears to be increasing legislative oversight of Medicaid program changes, ensuring that significant expansions or cost increases cannot be made without explicit governmental approval and review.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1588&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R