The bill amends the annual cap for diagnostic laboratory services within the Arkansas Medicaid Program, specifically increasing the reimbursement limits. The new language establishes that the annual cap for diagnostic laboratory services will be set at a minimum of $500, with an option for $1,800 if the beneficiary is diagnosed with chronic pain or is undergoing pain management. Additionally, the cap for radiology services remains at $500. The bill also mandates the Department of Human Services to create rules necessary for implementing these changes, with a deadline for filing the final rules by January 1, 2026.

An emergency clause is included in the bill, highlighting the urgent need to improve the efficiency of diagnostic laboratory services due to current low reimbursement caps, which are believed to contribute to inadequate monitoring of beneficiaries and exacerbate issues such as the opioid epidemic and increased emergency room visits. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, to ensure the health and safety of Arkansas Medicaid Program beneficiaries and enhance patient care.