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SB 264

Vehicle Bill.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shelli Yoder

Senate Bill 264 forms a working group to enhance Arkansas' primary care, aiming for better health outcomes and lower costs for patients and providers.

First reading: referred to Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure
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Bill Summary · SB 264

Summary of Senate Bill 264: Relating to Public Transportation

Bill Number: SB 264
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Status: Carried over to 2024 Regular Session
Classification: Bill
Subject: Counties, Fare Increases, HDOT, Mass Transit Fares, Transit-Based Advertisements

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 264 aims to establish the Arkansas Primary Care Payment Improvement Working Group. The intent of this legislation is to enhance the primary care system in Arkansas, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing overall healthcare costs for the population. The bill recognizes the importance of accessible, high-quality primary care and seeks to address the challenges currently faced in the healthcare system.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Working Group

  • The bill establishes a working group composed of nine members, including:
    1. Secretary of the Department of Human Services or designee
    2. Insurance Commissioner or designee
    3. Designee from the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement
    4. A practicing primary care physician appointed by the Speaker of the House
    5. A representative from an Arkansas-based commercial health insurer appointed by the Speaker of the House
    6. A pediatrician representative appointed by the Speaker of the House
    7. A practicing primary care physician appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
    8. An advanced practice registered nurse representative appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
    9. A primary care physician from a federal qualified health center appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate

Responsibilities of the Working Group

  • The working group will:
    • Define primary care for use in the Arkansas Medicaid Program and commercial insurance plans.
    • Evaluate current spending on primary care and healthcare services.
    • Study the primary care payment landscape in other states.
    • Develop a primary care spending target for the Arkansas Medicaid Program and commercial insurance carriers.
    • Submit a report of findings and recommendations to the Legislative Council by April 1, 2026.

Data Collection and Monitoring

  • The working group has the authority to request data from commercial insurance carriers regarding primary care payments.
  • The State Insurance Department will monitor compliance with the established spending targets.

Impact

Who Will Be Affected

  • Primary Care Providers: The bill aims to improve the financial and operational aspects of primary care practices in Arkansas.
  • Patients: Increased access to quality primary care is expected to lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs for Arkansans.
  • Insurance Carriers: Commercial insurance companies will need to adapt to new reporting requirements and spending targets.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has undergone several legislative actions, including amendments and committee reviews, and is currently set to be revisited in the 2024 Regular Session.
  • The working group is expected to meet regularly, with the chair being a practicing primary care physician appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 264 represents a significant step towards improving the primary care landscape in Arkansas. By establishing a dedicated working group, the bill seeks to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes for the state's residents. The anticipated report and recommendations will play a crucial role in shaping future healthcare policies in Arkansas.

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

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