The proposed bill mandates that the Arkansas Department of Human Services extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers to one year following childbirth. This new provision, designated as section 20-77-154, outlines that if a mother qualifies for enrollment under the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Act of 2021, her extended postpartum Medicaid coverage will be provided in accordance with that act. Conversely, if she does not qualify for that program, the coverage will be administered through the traditional Arkansas Medicaid Program.

Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Human Services to take necessary actions, including applying for federal approval through a state plan amendment or waiver, to implement this one-year postpartum Medicaid coverage. The department is also tasked with creating rules to effectively manage this new coverage provision.