The proposed bill mandates that the Arkansas Medicaid Program reimburse for physical therapy services provided in a clinic-based setting, expanding the current coverage that only includes hospital-based settings. The General Assembly recognizes the benefits of such an expansion, citing research that indicates access to rehabilitative physical therapy in clinics can lead to lower overall healthcare costs, a reduction in the need for surgical procedures, and decreased reliance on long-term pain medications.

To facilitate this change, the bill includes provisions for the Arkansas Department of Human Services to seek any necessary federal waivers or amendments to the Medicaid state plan to implement the new reimbursement policy. This initiative aims to enhance the accessibility of physical therapy services for beneficiaries, ultimately promoting better health outcomes and cost savings for the Medicaid program.