HB1930

House Bill 1930 mandates minimum reimbursement levels for healthcare services in Arkansas by tying them to Medicare-based benchmarks. The legislation is driven by findings that Arkansas healthcare providers currently receive some of the lowest reimbursement rates in the nation, which legislators argue negatively impacts the state's ability to retain medical professionals and maintain facilities. The bill directs the Insurance Commissioner to establish minimum reimbursement levels based on the weighted average of commercial prices in neighboring states, utilizing RAND Corporation data. These minimum requirements will be phased in over five years, reaching 100% of the target level by 2030. Healthcare insurers are required to document and disclose their compliance, with the Commissioner empowered to enforce these rules through hearings and potential revocation of business authority. Additionally, the bill introduces new criteria for the Commissioner to consider when reviewing insurer premium rate increases to prevent excessive cost-shifting to consumers.