The proposed bill aims to ensure that healthcare providers in Arkansas are adequately reimbursed by the Arkansas Medicaid Program for the provision of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) both immediately and during the postpartum period. The bill introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, specifically 20-77-148, which outlines the legislative findings that highlight the current coverage of LARC by the Medicaid Program, the challenges faced by providers due to the existing payment model, and the necessity for action to facilitate the provision of LARC during postpartum.
Under the new provisions, the Arkansas Medicaid Program is mandated to reimburse healthcare providers for LARC services provided during the specified periods, with this reimbursement being in addition to regular payments for services rendered to pregnant women. Furthermore, the Department of Human Services is tasked with applying for any necessary federal waivers or amendments to the Medicaid state plan to implement these changes effectively.