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Bill Summary · HB 1029

Summary of House Bill 1029

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1029
  • Title: To Set the Reimbursement Rate in the Arkansas Medicaid Program for Mental Health Services and Services Related to Addiction
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: November 20, 2024
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1029 aimed to establish a reimbursement rate for mental health services and addiction-related services within the Arkansas Medicaid Program. The primary intent was to ensure that these services are adequately funded, thereby improving access to mental health care and addiction treatment for Arkansas residents.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes to the Arkansas Medicaid Program:

  1. Reimbursement Rate Adjustment:

    • The reimbursement rate for mental health services and addiction-related services would be set at 100% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for comparable services.

  2. Coverage Expansion:

    • The bill mandated reimbursement for any mental health service or addiction-related service that is offered or provided in surrounding states, potentially broadening the scope of services available to Arkansas Medicaid recipients.

  3. Federal Compliance:

    • The Arkansas Department of Human Services was required to apply for any necessary federal waivers, Medicaid state plan amendments, or other authorizations to implement these changes.

Fiscal Impact

  • The estimated additional cost to the General Revenue for FY2026 was projected to be $5,988,472. This estimate was based on information from the Arkansas Department of Human Services and Guidehouse, Inc., assuming no increase in service usage or costs.

Affected Parties

  • Medicaid Recipients: Individuals receiving mental health and addiction services through the Arkansas Medicaid Program would benefit from increased access and potentially improved quality of care.
  • Healthcare Providers: Mental health and addiction service providers would see an increase in reimbursement rates, which could enhance their financial viability and ability to offer services.

Legislative Timeline

  • November 20, 2024: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2025: Bill read for the first time; rules suspended; read a second time and referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
  • January 16, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While House Bill 1029 sought to make significant improvements to the reimbursement structure for mental health and addiction services in Arkansas, it ultimately did not progress past the committee stage. The proposed changes highlighted the ongoing need for adequate funding and support for mental health services within the state's Medicaid framework.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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