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Bill Summary · HB 1401

Summary of House Bill 1401

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1401
  • Title: To Include Assisted Living Facility Services Within the Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: February 04, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1401 aimed to amend the Arkansas Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act by including assisted living facility services as part of the services covered under the Medicaid provider-led organized care system. The intent was to enhance the range of services available to Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly those requiring assistance with daily living activities.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following changes to the Arkansas Code § 20-77-2705(b):

  • Inclusion of Assisted Living Services: The bill sought to remove assisted living facility services from the list of excluded services within the Medicaid provider-led organized care system. This would allow Medicaid beneficiaries access to assisted living services under the organized care framework.

  • Amendment of Excluded Services List: The existing list of services excluded from the Medicaid provider-led organized care system included:

    1. Nonemergency medical transportation in a capitated program
    2. Dental benefits in a capitated program
    3. School-based services provided by school employees
    4. Skilled nursing facility services
    5. Assisted living facility services (proposed for inclusion)
    6. Human development center services
    7. Waiver services provided to adults with physical disabilities through the ARChoices in Homecare program or the Arkansas IndependentChoices program

Impact

If passed, HB 1401 would have expanded the services available to Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly benefiting individuals who require assisted living support. This change could have improved access to necessary care for vulnerable populations, potentially enhancing their quality of life.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 04, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time. Rules were suspended, and it was read a second time before being referred to the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.
  • May 05, 2025: The bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress further in the legislative process.

Conclusion

House Bill 1401 represented an effort to broaden Medicaid coverage in Arkansas by including assisted living services, addressing a critical need for many beneficiaries. However, the bill ultimately did not advance beyond the committee stage.

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

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