The Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a notice of rulemaking regarding proposed revisions to the rate and claims process for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum professional services under Arkansas Medicaid. These changes are in accordance with Acts 124 and 140 of 2025, known as "Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies," and aim to improve Medicaid reimbursement to ensure adequate access to care and enhance data collection on the utilization of these services. The proposed effective date for this rule is July 1, 2025, and it is estimated to have a financial impact of $38,030,852.00 per fiscal year.
The proposed rule is available for review at the DHS Office of Policy and Rules in Little Rock and at local Division of County Operations (DCO) offices statewide. It can also be accessed and downloaded online at ar.gov/dhs-proposed-rules.
The public is invited to submit written comments by mail to the DHS Office of Policy and Rules, P. O. Box 1437, Slot S295, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437, or by email to ORP@dhs.arkansas.gov.
NOTE: All public comments must be received by DHS no later than May 10, 2025.
A public hearing will be held remotely via Zoom. Details for attending the Zoom hearing can be found at ar.gov/dhszoom. Individuals needing this material in an alternative format, such as large print, can contact the Office of Policy and Rules at 501-320-6428.