HB1270
To Establish A Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Pilot Program Through A Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver; And To Declare An Emergency.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes the establishment of a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Pilot Program in Arkansas. The program aims to provide specialized, non-residential medical care for children with medically complex conditions. It will operate in three selected counties and function under a Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver. This waiver would allow Medicaid to cover these extended care services as an alternative to home health and private duty nursing. Key objectives include expanding access to cost-effective community-based care, reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and offering caregiver training. The program seeks to assess the feasibility of a permanent statewide initiative. The Department of Human Services is tasked with applying for the waiver, defining eligibility criteria, and establishing reimbursement mechanisms. The pilot program is intended to run for five years, with annual evaluations and a final report submitted by December 31, 2030. An emergency clause declares the bill immediately necessary to protect the health of children with complex medical needs by increasing alternative care settings.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are children under 21 years of age in Arkansas who have medically complex or technologically dependent conditions and require a level of care typically provided in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Their families or caregivers who consent to participate and engage in required training would also benefit from the program's support services and potential reduction in personal burden. Additionally, the Arkansas Medicaid Program and the state could potentially benefit from cost savings if the program proves more cost-effective than current methods of care, and by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations. Pediatric hospitals, home health providers, and community organizations may also benefit through potential collaboration and the expansion of services.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most directly and negatively impacted, if this bill were to be implemented, could potentially be existing providers of home health and private duty nursing services for children with medically complex conditions. If the prescribed pediatric extended care services offered through the pilot program become a more attractive or cost-effective alternative for Medicaid beneficiaries, these existing services might see a reduction in demand or reimbursement. There could also be an impact on hospitals if the program successfully reduces avoidable hospitalizations, potentially affecting hospital revenue. The Department of Human Services could face administrative challenges and costs associated with applying for the waiver, developing new regulations, and managing the pilot program, especially if unforeseen issues arise during implementation.