Medicaid matters.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Becky Cash and 3 co-sponsors

Arkansas would create a Family Planning Only Program for adults up to 200% FPL who aren’t eligible for Medicaid, offering contraception and related services with federal funding su

Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3

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Purpose / Intent

Require the Arkansas Medicaid Program to create a “Family Planning Only Program” that provides only family planning services (contraception and related services) to certain adults who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid but have incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The Department of Human Services (DHS) must seek any federal approvals needed (Medicaid state plan amendment or waiver) to implement the program.

Key provisions

Adds Ark. Code § 20-77-154 establishing the Family Planning Only Program.

Eligibility:

Must not be eligible for any other Arkansas Medicaid category.
Household income must not exceed 200% of the FPL (as of Jan 1, 2025).

Administration:

The Department of Human Services must apply for federal authorization (waiver or state plan amendment) to implement the program.

Scope:

The law authorizes provision of family planning services only (not full Medicaid benefits).

Who would be affected

Primary beneficiaries: Adults who are above eligibility thresholds for full Medicaid but whose income is ≤ 200% FPL and who need family planning services.

Providers: Family planning clinics and other Medicaid providers who would enroll or bill under the new program once federal approval is secured.

State and federal budgets: Medicaid spending would increase; most costs expected to be matched by federal Medicaid funds.

Fiscal impact (state-level estimate)

Arkansas DHS used SFY2024 family planning expenditure data to estimate costs.

Estimated total computable impact: about $3.65 million (federal/state combined).

Assumed Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) used: 90% — leaving an estimated state share of about $365,000.

SFY2024 observed total paid family-planning claims: ~$5.49 million (used as basis for the projection).

Procedural status & timeline notes

Introduced: (filed Nov 12, 2024; sponsor Representative A. Collins; cosponsor Representative Springer).

Required federal approvals (state plan amendment or waiver) before state implementation.

Committee action: House Committee on Health & Human Services recommended the bill be postponed indefinitely (committee report dated August 21, 2025). The bill did not advance out of that committee.

Potential policy impacts / considerations

Access: Would expand access to contraception and family planning services for low‑income adults who are ineligible for full Medicaid.

Budget: Small projected state cost compared with federal match; implementation depends on obtaining federal approval and provider enrollment/administrative setup.

Operational: Requires DHS to prepare and submit federal applications and set up billing/eligibility processes for a Medicaid-only family planning category.

Bill