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Bill

HB 1930

TO MANDATE MINIMUM REIMBURSEMENT LEVELS FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 19 co-sponsors

HB 1930 aimed to raise healthcare reimbursement rates in Arkansas to 100% of Medicare levels by 2030, improving provider stability and patient access to care.

Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1930

Summary of House Bill 1930: Minimum Reimbursement Levels for Healthcare Services

Bill Number: HB 1930
Introduced On: March 31, 2025
Status: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment (May 5, 2025)
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1930 aimed to establish minimum reimbursement levels for healthcare services in Arkansas. The bill was introduced in response to findings that Arkansas healthcare providers receive some of the lowest reimbursement rates in the nation, which negatively impacts the financial stability of healthcare systems and their ability to attract and retain qualified professionals.

Key Provisions

The bill included several significant provisions, particularly through Amendment No. 1:

  1. Minimum Reimbursement Levels:

    • The bill proposed a gradual increase in reimbursement rates for healthcare services, set to reach 100% of the equivalent Medicare reimbursement by January 1, 2030. The proposed schedule was:
      • 45% by January 1, 2026
      • 55% by January 1, 2027
      • 65% by January 1, 2028
      • 75% by January 1, 2029
      • 100% by January 1, 2030

  2. Healthcare Insurer Regulations:

    • Before implementing any increases in premium rates or cost-sharing, healthcare insurers would be required to consider specific factors, including their risk-based capital (RBC) levels and medical loss ratios.

  3. Definitions and Scope:

    • The bill defined key terms such as "healthcare provider," "healthcare insurer," and "minimum reimbursement level," ensuring clarity in its application. It also included provisions for various types of health benefit plans and excluded certain plans from its scope.

  4. Legislative Findings:

    • The bill articulated the General Assembly's findings regarding the disparities in reimbursement rates compared to neighboring states and the national average, emphasizing the need for reform to ensure adequate healthcare access for all Arkansans.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1930 would have affected:
- Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare entities would benefit from increased reimbursement rates, potentially improving their financial viability.
- Patients: Improved reimbursement rates could lead to better healthcare services and access for patients in Arkansas.
- Healthcare Insurers: Insurers would face new regulations regarding premium increases and reimbursement methodologies.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 31, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 1, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Insurance & Commerce.
  • April 8, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill ordered engrossed.
  • April 10, 2025: Read for the third time and failed.
  • May 5, 2025: Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1930 sought to address significant disparities in healthcare reimbursement rates in Arkansas, aiming to enhance the financial stability of healthcare providers and improve access to care for residents. Despite its potential benefits, the bill ultimately did not progress past the House calendar.

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

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