in North Central Arkansas-Updated KH
Governor Asa Hutchinson’s proposal to amend the expanded Medicaid program would impact almost 3,500 residents in North Central Arkansas, according to information provided to KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot from the Arkansas Insurance Department.
The first step in amending the Medicaid program coverage cleared its first hurdle Monday with committee support on the opening day of the special legislative session. On Tuesday, identical bills passed both the Senate and House chambers.
Local Senators Scott Flippo of Mountain Home and Missy Irvin of Mountain View voted in favor of Senate Bill 3, while Senator Linda Collins-Smith of Pocahontas voted against the measure.
On the House side, local Representatives Jack Fortner of Yellville and John Payton of Wiburn voted in favor of House Bill 1003, while Representatives Scott Baltz of Pocahontas and Nelda Speaks of Mountain Home voted against the measure.
Under the Governor’s proposal, Medicaid eligibility would allow only those who make 100 percent of the federal poverty level or less, rather than 138 percent, to remain covered. The proposal also includes a work requirement and premiums to those who remain covered.
Across the state, over 60,000 people are expected to lose coverage under the Arkansas Works program, formerly known as the Private Option. However, those that would be removed from the Arkansas Works program would be moved to the federally subsidized health insurance marketplace.
Here in North Central Arkansas, the breakdown by county indicates 843 would lose coverage in Baxter County, along with 377 in Marion, 232 in Fulton, 924 in Boone, 284 in Izard, 204 in Newton, 286 in Searcy and 344 in Stone.
If the proposed changes gain final approval, the projected estimates savings to the state would be $93 million over five years or roughly $18 million annually.
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