Committee approves SB 295 to expand eligibility crosschecks for SNAP and Medicaid

Senate Bill 295 — presented by Sen. Flippo and explained in detail by visiting fellow Scott Centorino of the Opportunity Solutions Project — would expand program‑integrity procedures for the state's safety‑net programs.

Centorino described three principal reforms: routine data crosschecks for SNAP and Medicaid that include lottery winnings, death records, employment records and out‑of‑state EBT transactions; converting SNAP to a change‑reporting standard with a 10‑day reporting window for material changes; and measures to limit hospital presumptive‑eligibility enrollments, including seeking a federal waiver and a three‑strikes sanction regime to remove hospitals as qualified health entities if they repeatedly misapply presumptive enrollments.

Sen. Davis asked whether "substantial winnings" is defined; Centorino said the bill does not define the term but federal practice often treats it as about $3,000. Centorino also cited national improper‑payment rates for Medicaid (about 15% in 2019, rising above 20% in 2020) and said crosschecks in other states have led to significant removals from benefits rolls.

Mark White of the Department of Human Services said DHS supports the bill's goals but raised implementation concerns, including language changes needed and noted that, while federal rules require hospital presumptive eligibility, Arkansas currently has not implemented it because of system issues; he said DHS would work with the sponsor on amendments.

After questions and a short disclosure from a senator about a familial lobbying connection, the committee moved a "do pass" and approved SB 295 by voice vote.

Next steps: the bill advances from committee; DHS indicated it will seek technical amendments.