Arkansas Legislature Passes Medicaid Expansion Program

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas Legislature has passed a new version of its Medicaid expansion program.

The House voted 64-34 Tuesday to pass Senate Bill 410, meaning it now goes to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, where if signed, the bill will become law.

The state’s current plan, Arkansas Works, is set to sunset, or end, this year. The new plan, entitled the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me or ARHOME, would retain the current private insurance model for purchasing health plans for participants. Unlike Arkansas Works, there is no work requirement.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-legislature-passes-medicaid-expansion-program

Rep. Michelle Gray, R-Melbourne, presents Senate Bill 410 to the House.

CREDIT ARKANSAS HOUSE

Arkansas Senate Votes To Approve Medicaid Expansion, Bill Now Goes To House

By SARAH KELLOGG

The Arkansas Senate has passed a bill that would implement a new Medicaid expansion program in place of the current Arkansas Works program.

By a vote of 26-3 with four members voting present, the Arkansas Senate passed Senate Bill 410 on Tuesday. The legislation would create the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me or ARHOME Act. 

According to Talk Business and Politics, the proposed program, which was introduced in early March, keeps the current private insurance model for purchasing plans like the private option for the Arkansas Works program did.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/arkansas-senate-votes-approve-medicaid-expansion-bill-now-goes-house

Sen. Missy Irvin, R- Mountain View, presents her bill to the Senate.

CREDIT ARKANSAS SENATE