The resolution urges the United States Congress to reevaluate the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule locality structure and the Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCI) for Arkansas. It highlights the economic disparities between urban and rural areas in the state, particularly within the Metropolitan Statistical Areas of Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway. Currently, all regions in Arkansas are grouped under a single reimbursement category, Locality 13, which does not accurately reflect the higher operational costs faced by healthcare providers in urban areas. This misalignment has resulted in Arkansas ranking poorly in Medicare reimbursement, further straining healthcare access for residents.

The resolution calls for Congress to conduct a comprehensive review of the Medicare locality structure and GPCI to ensure that reimbursement rates are aligned with the actual costs incurred by healthcare providers in different regions. It specifically requests that the two metropolitan areas be designated as separate locality numbers to better reflect their unique economic conditions. The resolution emphasizes the need for swift action to correct these discrepancies to alleviate financial burdens on healthcare providers and improve access to essential medical services for Arkansas residents.