HB1787
To Authorize The Arkansas Medicaid Program To Make Presumptive Eligibility Determinations For Pregnant Women.
Last Action (May 1, 2023): Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1787 authorizes the Arkansas Medicaid Program to implement presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women applying for coverage. This measure is designed to improve access to prenatal care by allowing eligible individuals to receive medical services immediately, rather than waiting for the completion of the full application processing period. The bill grants the Medicaid program authority to designate qualified entities to conduct screenings and enroll pregnant applicants into the program on a temporary basis. The primary objective of this legislation is to ensure that prenatal medical care is not delayed during the administrative review of Medicaid applications.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries are pregnant women in Arkansas who lack health insurance or have limited access to prenatal care, as they will be able to receive immediate medical services. Healthcare providers and hospitals also benefit by receiving reimbursement for providing prenatal services to patients who might otherwise be uninsured or unable to pay during the application waiting period.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill could negatively impact the state budget, as the immediate enrollment of individuals who may ultimately be found ineligible for full Medicaid coverage could lead to unrecoverable state expenditures. Administrative agencies may also face increased operational burdens and costs associated with training qualified entities to screen applicants and managing the processes required for presumptive eligibility.
Get Notified
Receive an email when this bill's status changes.