Arkansas Medicaid discusses urgent care access for patients without primary care physicians

The Arkansas Public Health - Human Services Subcommittee convened on May 23, 2025, to discuss significant changes to Medicaid regulations, particularly regarding access to urgent care for patients without a primary care physician (PCP). The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by individuals who lack a PCP, as well as the implications of proposed rule changes aimed at improving healthcare access.

During the session, several participants shared personal experiences illustrating the difficulties of navigating the healthcare system without a PCP. One individual recounted a recent bout with pneumonia, expressing frustration over the inability to find a doctor accepting new patients for a simple checkup. This sentiment was echoed by another participant who described a back injury that required immediate attention but necessitated a referral from their PCP, delaying care.

The discussion centered around a proposed rule that would allow Medicaid patients to visit urgent care facilities without needing a PCP for a limited number of visits. Currently, patients without a PCP must resort to emergency rooms or hospital-affiliated urgent care centers, which can lead to overcrowding and increased healthcare costs. The new rule aims to permit four visits to urgent care for those without a PCP and two visits for those with one, promoting timely care while still encouraging the establishment of a primary care relationship.

Committee members expressed concerns about the notification process for public comments on the proposed rule. It was noted that while notifications were published in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and on the state website, there may have been insufficient outreach to ensure broad public awareness. This raised questions about the effectiveness of current communication strategies in engaging the community.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to review the feedback received and consider potential adjustments to the proposed rule. The subcommittee acknowledged the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between patients and their PCPs while also addressing the immediate healthcare needs of those without one. The discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and coordination in Arkansas, particularly for vulnerable populations.