The proposed legislation establishes the Arkansas Primary Care Payment Improvement Working Group, which aims to enhance the primary care system in Arkansas and its impact on health outcomes. The General Assembly recognizes that increased access to quality primary care can lead to reduced healthcare costs and improved health outcomes. The working group will consist of nine members, including representatives from the Department of Human Services, the Insurance Commissioner, practicing primary care physicians, and representatives from the Arkansas commercial health insurance community. The group will be tasked with defining primary care, evaluating current spending on primary care, and studying the primary care payment landscape in other states.

Additionally, the working group will collect data from commercial insurance carriers regarding primary care payments and will submit a report of its findings and recommendations by April 1, 2026. This report will include a proposed primary care spending target for both commercial insurance carriers and the Arkansas Medicaid Program, aimed at achieving better health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The bill also amends existing law to require the submission of nonclaims-based payments made to providers as part of the Arkansas Healthcare Transparency Initiative.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB264 Original - 2-20-2025 10:52 AM: 23-61-906(a)
Old version SB264 V2 - 3-18-2025 10:35 AM: 23-61-906(a)
SB 264: 23-61-906(a)
Act 483: 23-61-906(a)