AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB77

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB77

Introduced
1/16/25  
Refer
1/16/25  
Refer
2/3/25  
Report Pass
2/4/25  
Engrossed
2/5/25  
Refer
2/5/25  
Report Pass
2/11/25  
Enrolled
2/13/25  
Chaptered
2/18/25  

Caption

To Require The Arkansas Medicaid Program To Reimburse For Physical Therapy Provided In A Clinic-based Setting.

Impact

If enacted, SB77 would amend Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 77, by adding a new section that allows reimbursement for clinic-based physical therapy. This legislative change is expected to provide more flexibility to patients in accessing the services they need and help meet their rehabilitation goals more effectively. State health authorities would need to apply for necessary federal waivers or state plan amendments to implement the changes mandated by the bill, indicating a significant shift in Medicaid service coverage.

Summary

Senate Bill 77 aims to expand the Arkansas Medicaid Program by requiring it to reimburse for physical therapy services provided in a clinic-based setting. Currently, the Medicaid program only covers physical therapy conducted in hospital settings. This change is driven by findings that suggest increased access to clinic-based physical therapy can lead to enhanced patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs over time, and a lower dependency on surgical interventions and long-term opioid usage. By providing coverage in these alternative settings, SB77 seeks to improve rehabilitation outcomes for beneficiaries.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding SB77 include the potential implications for state budgets and the Medicaid program's funding. Critics may question the long-term fiscal impact of expanding reimbursement to clinic-based care, considering ongoing budget constraints and the need for sustainable funding. Additionally, there may be apprehension regarding how the inclusion of these additional service settings could affect the overall management of the Medicaid program as it seeks to ensure quality care while containing costs.

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 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 SB92

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

AR SB139

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

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 HB1128

To Allow Emergency Medical Responders To Be Licensed; And To Authorize Emergency Medical Responders To Be Reimbursed By Insurance Companies And The Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR SB130

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

AR HB1385

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

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 SB468

To Require Personal Care Providers To Submit Appropriate Documentation To The Arkansas Medicaid Program And To Comply With Federal Requirements.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.