All Roll Calls
Yes: 99 • No: 3
ArkansasSB5272025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
TO AMEND THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME ACT OF 2021; AND TO INCREASE THE MEDICAL-LOSS RATIO IN THE ARKANSAS HEALTH AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ME PROGRAM.
Sponsored By: Missy Irvin (Republican), Lee Johnson (Republican)
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Work rules can suspend Arkansas health coverage
Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me members must follow applicable Medicaid work rules and provide proof of compliance. The governor must request federal permission as soon as practical when federal rules change to allow it. Nonexempt members who refuse to cooperate and make no effort to comply lose coverage for the remaining plan year. During suspension, the state stops paying their monthly premiums and advance cost-sharing help. Coverage may resume when members cooperate and clearly intend to comply. Any one exemption qualifies: volunteering at least 20 hours weekly; work and work-program participation totaling at least 20 hours weekly; or complying with workfare. Receiving unemployment benefits while following their work rules, or participating in drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation, also qualifies. Caregivers qualify when caring for a dependent child under 6 or one with a serious medical condition or disability. Other exemptions cover pregnancy, medically certified physical or mental inability to work, and ages under 19 or over 59.
Longer Arkansas health program, more care options
The law extends Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me's legal authority from December 31, 2026, through December 31, 2031. This does not guarantee any person's coverage. Every Arkansas county must have at least two individual qualified health plans offered, not necessarily from two insurers. The Department of Human Services can approve hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and other groups as community bridge organizations. These groups can connect people in the program's economic independence or health improvement initiatives to community services and support.
Arkansas health plans must seek drug rebates
Participating Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me insurers must seek all available drug-company rebates for products covered through participating plans. The Department of Human Services must track rebates obtained and ensure an equal amount goes to Arkansas every three months. This supports program funding but does not set a direct member payment or premium change.
Arkansas health members owe unpaid program charges
Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me members are solely responsible for their unpaid program charges. The Department of Human Services cannot include those unpaid amounts in payments to insurers or financial settlements with them. It also cannot include those amounts in future premium rates.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Missy Irvin
Republican • Senate
Lee Johnson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Brandon Achor
Republican • House
Blake Johnson
Republican • Senate
Mary Bentley
Republican • House
Nicole Clowney
Democratic • House
Les D. Eaves
Republican • House
Jon S. Eubanks
Republican • House
Brian S. Evans
Republican • House
Ben Gilmore
Republican • Senate
Zack Gramlich
Republican • House
Bart Hester
Republican • Senate
Ashley Hudson
Democratic • House
Justin Boyd
Republican • Senate
Jonathan Dismang
Republican • Senate
Jack Ladyman
Republican • House
Robin Lundstrum
Republican • House
Matthew J. Shepherd
Republican • House
John Maddox
Republican • House
Mark Perry
Democratic • House
Aaron Pilkington
Republican • House
Matt Stone
Republican • Senate
DeAnn Vaught
Republican • House
Steven Walker
Republican • House
Jeff Wardlaw
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/14/2025
House Vote - Monday, April 14, 2025 3:39:49 PM
Yes: 72 • No: 3 • Other: 18
Senate vote • 4/8/2025
Senate Vote - Tuesday, April 8, 2025 3:07:20 PM
Yes: 27 • No: 0 • Other: 7
Actions Timeline
Notification that SB527 is now Act 774
4/18/2025SenateDELIVERED TO GOVERNOR.
4/15/2025SenateReported correctly enrolled and ordered delivered to the Governor.
4/15/2025SenateORDERED ENROLLED
4/14/2025SenateReturned from the House as passed.
4/14/2025SenateReturned to the Senate as passed.
4/14/2025HouseRead the third time and passed and ordered transmitted to the Senate.
4/14/2025HouseReturned by the Committee Do Pass
4/9/2025HouseRead the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and referred to the Committee on INSURANCE & COMMERCE- HOUSE
4/8/2025HouseRECEIVED FROM THE SENATE
4/8/2025HouseOrdered immediately transmitted to the House.
4/8/2025SenateRead the third time and passed.
4/8/2025SenateREPORTED CORRECTLY ENGROSSED
4/7/2025SenateAmendment # 1 read the first time, rules suspended, read the second time and adopted, ordered engrossed.
4/7/2025SenatePlaced on second reading for purpose of amendment.
4/7/2025SenateReturned by the Committee with the recommendation that it Do Pass as amended, Amendment # 1
4/3/2025SenateMotion to suspend the Intervening Day Rule for SB527. Motion carried.
3/19/2025SenateRead first time, rules suspended, read second time, referred to INSURANCE & COMMERCE - SENATE
3/19/2025SenateFiled
3/19/2025Senate
Bill Text
SB527 - Introduced
3/19/2025
Act Version
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