HB1029
To Set The Reimbursement Rate In The Arkansas Medicaid Program For Mental Health Services And Services Related To Addiction.
Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Sponsors
AI-Generated Summary
House Bill 1029 mandates that the Arkansas Medicaid Program establish reimbursement rates for mental health and addiction services at no less than 100% of the corresponding Medicare rates for comparable services. Additionally, the bill requires the Medicaid program to provide reimbursement for any mental health or addiction services that are currently offered or provided in surrounding states. The Arkansas Department of Human Services is tasked with seeking any necessary federal waivers, state plan amendments, or other authorizations required to implement these changes. The primary purpose of the bill is to expand service coverage and increase payment rates for behavioral health providers within the state's Medicaid system.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries include mental health and addiction service providers in Arkansas, who would see increased reimbursement rates for their services. Additionally, Medicaid recipients in Arkansas would benefit from expanded access to a broader range of behavioral health and addiction treatments that are currently available in neighboring states but not covered under current Arkansas Medicaid policies.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entity negatively impacted would be the State of Arkansas, specifically the Department of Human Services and the Medicaid budget, as the bill mandates an increase in reimbursement rates and service coverage, likely resulting in significantly higher state expenditures. Taxpayers may also be indirectly impacted if the increased costs require adjustments to the state budget or funding allocations.
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