AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1165

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1165

Introduced
1/16/25  

Caption

To Prohibit Different Reimbursement Rates For Services Performed By The Same Type Of Provider In Different Settings Within The Arkansas Medicaid Program.

Impact

If enacted, HB1165 would amend existing laws governing Medicaid reimbursement in Arkansas, promoting equitable pay for healthcare providers across various practice settings. The intent is to ensure that providers are compensated equally for the same services regardless of where the services are rendered. This bill aims to enhance access to behavioral health services, improve the financial stability of behavioral health providers, and potentially lead to better health outcomes for patients receiving care in these settings.

Summary

House Bill 1165 aims to address disparities in reimbursement rates within the Arkansas Medicaid Program by prohibiting different reimbursement rates for services performed by the same type of healthcare provider across different settings. The key finding is that providers, particularly physicians, often receive higher payments for services rendered in their offices compared to those offered in behavioral health or certified support services provider settings, despite the services being identical. This creates a financial disadvantage for providers in behavioral health settings, potentially impacting the availability of those services in the state.

Contention

While the bill seeks to create fairness in reimbursement, it may face opposition from stakeholders concerned about the fiscal implications for the Arkansas Medicaid Program. There could be debate around whether the proposed changes will lead to increased costs for the state, affecting the overall budget for Medicaid. Additionally, differing opinions may arise regarding the valuation of services rendered in various settings, with some stakeholders possibly arguing that reimbursement rates should reflect differences in operational costs or quality of care across different environments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1129

To Require The Arkansas Medicaid Program And Insurance Policies To Reimburse For Behavioral Health Services Provided In Certain Settings.

AR SB92

To Set The Reimbursement Rate For Orthotics And Prosthetics Within The Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR SB408

To Amend Various Laws Concerning Adoption; And To Amend Certain Adoption Laws To Differentiate Between Minor And Adult Adoptions.

AR HB1574

To Support Positive Mental Health For Families With Young Children Through The Arkansas Medicaid Program; And To Establish Supplemental Reimbursement Rates For Preventive Services For Children.

AR HB1314

To Require The Arkansas Medicaid Program To Classify Doctors Of Optometry As Physicians Which Is The Same As Medicare And Insurance Carriers For Reimbursement.

AR SB130

To Remove The Reimbursement Cap On Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Services Within The Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR HB1275

To Regulate Electronic Medical Records; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Payor That Has Electronic Access To Medical Records From Requesting Medical Records In A Different Format From A Healthcare Provider.

AR SB278

To Terminate The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Program; And To Transfer All Beneficiaries In The Arkansas Home And Opportunity For Me Program To The Traditional Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR SB113

To Ensure That Healthcare Providers Are Properly Reimbursed By The Arkansas Medicaid Program For Providing Long-acting Reversible Contraception Immediately And During Postpartum.

AR HB1034

To Regulate The Reimbursement Rate Of A Birth Under An Insurance Policy In This State; And To Establish The Reimbursement Rate For A Birth To Be At Least The Same As The Reimbursement Rate For A Birth By Cesarean Section.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.