Bill > HB1969

This bill creates several new financial mechanisms and programs to improve healthcare access and funding in Arkansas. It establishes a Graduate Medical Education Expansion Account to support new residency and fellowship positions, and creates a Hospital Directed Payment Assessment that will collect fees from hospitals to be redistributed through managed care programs. The bill updates how Medicare cost reports are defined and introduces a new Hospital Directed Payment Assessment to generate funds for improving Medicaid hospital reimbursement rates. It also creates two new advisory committees - a Medicaid Sustainability Advisory Committee and a Medicaid Quality Advisory Committee - to provide input on Medicaid programs. Additionally, the bill establishes a Managed Care Provider Incentive Program initially focused on maternal health and primary care access, with funds derived from a portion of insurance premium taxes. The legislation is contingent on certain Medicaid population transitions and requires approval from federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. A key goal is to maximize hospital reimbursement, ensure healthcare financial sustainability, and improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, while creating mechanisms for provider input and quality improvement.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1969&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R