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Committee approves bill to allow providers to tell families which risk-based plans they’re in network with
Summary
Senate Bill 222 passed after sponsors said it would permit providers to inform families whether a provider is in network with a given risk-based plan; Easterseals Arkansas described instances where families could not get that information under current rules.
Senate Bill 222 cleared the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee after proponents said the bill clarifies that it is not a marketing violation for a provider to inform a current or prospective Medicaid enrollee about the provider’s network status with a risk-based plan.
Senator Brianne Davis, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure would create an optional, Arkansas-based registry and — crucially — make it lawful for providers to answer parents’ direct questions about whether a provider is in network with a particular risk-based plan. Davis used Easterseals as an example: providers that previously negotiated changes in network participation said they were unable to tell families, under current interpretations, whether they remained in-network for a child’s waiver or other services.
Ron Ekstrand, CEO of Easterseals Arkansas, testified that families have relied on long-term relationships with local service providers and that being unable to confirm a provider’s network status during open enrollment or an initial 90-day assignment could interrupt care. Ekstrand said providers want to be able to tell families their options — for example, whether a family may remain with a given provider or must change plans to continue receiving services.
The bill includes protections: it prohibits providers from attempting to influence a member’s choice of a risk-based plan and forbids inaccurate or misleading responses. Committee members asked clarifying questions but ultimately voted to pass the bill. The committee transcript records the committee approving Senate Bill 222 by voice vote.
Why it matters: The bill affects communication between Medicaid-enrolled families and service providers for long-term supports and services. Advocates said clearer information would help families make informed choices during enrollment and transitions; opponents were not recorded in the committee transcript.
Next steps: The bill will proceed through the legislative process after committee passage.
