SB20
An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Medical Services Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.
Last Action (April 1, 2026): Read first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
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AI-Generated Summary
Senate Bill 20 is a fiscal appropriation act for the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) - Division of Medical Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. It establishes the maximum number of full-time and part-time employee positions for the Division. The bill appropriates over $10 billion in funds, covering operational expenses, personnel services, and various grants. Major grant allocations include funding for ARKids B, hospital and medical services, prescription drugs, and nursing home care. Additionally, the bill provides appropriations for specific activities such as nursing home closure costs, facility receivership, and quality grants. It also outlines administrative methodologies for setting Medicaid rates and requires Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee approval for certain changes. Furthermore, the bill imposes restrictions on the use of state appropriations and federal funds for the advertising, promotion, or marketing of the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me program.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the recipients of Arkansas Medicaid programs, including participants in ARKids B, individuals requiring hospital and medical services, prescription drug coverage, and residents of both public and private nursing homes. Additionally, Arkansas Children's Hospital benefits from specific provisions allowing the retention of funds to leverage federal Medicaid matching payments. The administrative and medical staff employed by the Division of Medical Services also benefit from the authorization of regular and part-time staff positions and associated funding for salaries and operations.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill may negatively impact entities or individuals involved in the outreach, navigation, and promotion of the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me program. By strictly prohibiting the use of state or federal funds for advertising, promoting, or funding navigator and counselor roles, the bill restricts the ability of these organizations to perform public awareness activities or receive state-allocated support to facilitate program enrollment, potentially limiting their operational reach and capacity to assist potential health insurance applicants.
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