BALLINGER-HENDREN AMENDMENTS

Representative Bob Ballinger and Senator Jim Hendren filed identical amendments to Senate Bill 221.  The amendments concern Medicaid Expansion in Arkansas, known as the “Private Option.”  These identical amendments may be divided into three parts:

  1. Terminates the Private Option on July 1, 2014. Currently the expiration date is June 30, 2017.
  2. Seeks federal approval to allow existing enrollees to continue coverage until March 1, 2015.
  3. Directs the Department of Human Services and the State Insurance Department to study options for providing services or coverage for persons enrolled in the Private Option.  Some options to be studied include:
    a. Health savings accounts;
    b. Medical care and services cost-sharing methods;
    c. Medical sharing programs; and
    d. Medical discount savings cards.