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HB 1969

TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE ACCESS; TO AMEND THE ASSESSMENT FEES ON HOSPITALS; AND TO CREATE THE HOSPITAL DIRECTED PAYMENT ASSESSMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 2 co-sponsors

HB 1969 aimed to enhance healthcare in Arkansas by revising hospital fees, boosting Medicaid reimbursements, and expanding medical training for future providers.

Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1969

Summary of House Bill 1969 (HB 1969)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1969 (HB 1969) was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly with the primary aim of improving healthcare access and quality in the state. The bill sought to amend existing assessment fees on hospitals and establish a new Hospital Directed Payment Assessment. Additionally, it aimed to create a Graduate Medical Education Expansion Program to enhance medical training and residency opportunities.

Key Provisions

HB 1969 included several significant provisions:

  1. Graduate Medical Education Expansion Account:

    • Established within the Arkansas Medicaid Program Trust Fund.
    • Funded by revenues collected from specific assessments.
    • Intended to support direct costs associated with graduate medical education programs for new residency and fellowship positions starting July 1, 2025.
    • Protected from budget cuts and designed to retain annual balances.

  2. Amendments to Hospital Assessment Fees:

    • Revised definitions related to the Medicare Cost Report and the upper payment limit for Medicaid reimbursements.
    • Clarified the calculation of the upper payment limit gap for hospital services, ensuring that Medicaid payments align with federal regulations.

  3. Hospital Directed Payment Assessment:

    • Aimed to ensure financial sustainability for healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas.
    • Intended to maximize reimbursement for hospital services provided to Medicaid patients.
    • Included definitions and guidelines for managed care programs and payment arrangements under federal regulations.

Affected Parties

The bill would have impacted:
- Hospitals: Particularly those participating in the Arkansas Medicaid Program, which would see changes in assessment fees and reimbursement structures.
- Medical Residents and Fellows: The Graduate Medical Education Expansion Program was designed to increase training opportunities, potentially benefiting future healthcare providers.
- Medicaid Patients: The bill aimed to improve access to quality healthcare services for individuals enrolled in Medicaid.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: April 1, 2025
  • Committee Actions:
    • April 2, 2025: Read the first time, rules suspended, and referred to the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee.
    • April 3, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
    • April 7, 2025: Read for the third time but failed.
  • Final Status: The bill died on the House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

While HB 1969 aimed to address critical issues in healthcare access and funding in Arkansas, it ultimately did not progress through the legislative process. The proposed changes could have had a significant impact on hospitals, medical education, and Medicaid beneficiaries in the state.

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

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