AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB62

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB62

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/15/25  

Caption

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

Impact

The termination of the AHOMEP program would result in significant changes to the way healthcare support is provided to low-income residents of Arkansas. Specifically, it seeks to revert the state's strategy in offering healthcare coverage back to a more traditional Medicaid structure. This change might alter several aspects of healthcare accessibility and affordability for those previously enrolled in the AHOMEP, essentially moving away from newer, potentially more flexible health coverage options that were initially designed to enhance personal responsibility and economic engagement among enrollees.

Summary

Senate Bill 62 aims to terminate the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program (AHOMEP) and transition all beneficiaries to the traditional Arkansas Medicaid program. The bill's objectives include repealing the existing AHOMEP legislation enacted in 2021 and ensuring that enrollees are adequately informed about the termination of their current health coverage by December 31, 2026. Furthermore, the legislation mandates the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to facilitate this transition, ensuring smooth coverage under Medicaid for affected individuals starting July 1, 2025.

Contention

Debate surrounding this bill is likely to revolve around issues of healthcare policy and the implications of returning to a traditional Medicaid framework. Supporters of the bill may argue that this transition will simplify the healthcare system and reduce state expenditures associated with the AHOMEP. However, opponents might voice concerns that this move could undermine the progress made in recent years to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly those with mental health challenges or substance abuse issues, to whom the AHOMEP aimed to provide more tailored support.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB1129

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

AR HB1780

Concerning Cybersecurity Insurance; To Establish The Arkansas Self-funded Cyber Response Program And The Arkansas Cyber Response Board; And To Create The Arkansas Self-funded Cyber Response Program Trust Fund.

AR SB5

To Amend The Philanthropic Investment In Arkansas Kids Program Act And The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB416

To Create The Imagination Library Of Arkansas Program; And To Create The Imagination Library Of Arkansas Program Fund.

AR HB1142

To Create The Arkansas Nuclear Recycling Program.

AR SB139

To Require That The Arkansas Medicaid Program Cover Authorized Prescription Digital Therapeutics.

AR SB101

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Pertain To The University Of Arkansas.

AR HB1415

To Amend Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, ยง 14, And Arkansas Law To Provide That Lottery Proceeds May Be Used For Scholarships And Grants To Arkansans Enrolled In Vocational-technical Schools And Technical Institutes.

AR HB1008

To Modify The Coverage Of Continuous Glucose Monitors In The Arkansas Medicaid Program.

Similar Bills

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 SB527

To Amend The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Act Of 2021; And To Increase The Medical-loss Ratio In The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Program.

RI S0053

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI H5120

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI H5172

Would promote transparency and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence by health insurers to manage coverage and claims.

RI S0013

Promotes transparency and accountability in the use of artificial intelligence by health insurers to manage coverage and claims.

RI H6317

Prohibits an insurer from imposing a requirement of prior authorization for any admission, item, service, treatment, test, exam, study, procedure, or any generic or brand name prescription drug ordered by a primary care provider.

RI S0168

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.