EXPANDING MEDICAID THROUGH WAIVERS: THE ARKANSAS “PRIVATE OPTION”
Anna Strong, Health Policy Director Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
[email protected] 501-371-9678 ext. 119
Arkansas’s Private Option: Overview
Acts 1497 and 1498 of 2013 Use Medicaid funds to purchase private health insurance for most new eligibles through AR’s Partnership Marketplace
“High-level” silver plans only
Medicaid protections - wraparound Budget Neutrality Attestation that coverage is “not an entitlement” Sunsets June 30, 2017, but waiver ends December 2016 Exchange considerations - flexibility
How did we get here? Needed a majority vote for the enabling legislation for an expansion BUT…
Need an annual “super majority” vote for the appropriation of funds • 75 of 100 votes in the House • 27 of 35 votes in the Senate
How did we get here? Takeaways:
Balancing consumer needs with political reality
Drawing a line in the sand
Strong coalition and the right messengers
Consumer Concerns
Children’s coverage Benefits (EPSDT, Transportation, Family Planning, Community Health Centers, Prescriptions) Cost-Sharing Access to care Eligibility/Enrollment Accountability, transparency, consumer protection Budget Neutrality
Consumer Representation
During session: publications, coalitions and advocacy 1115 Waiver Public Comments by AACF Consumer/Partner
Brief Comments on AR Department of Human Services draft Federal comments to HHS on final
State Plan Amendments Medically Frail questionnaire, other details
Consumer Concerns Takeaways:
Make your voice heard at the state and federal level Help partners be engaged
Future Changes to Private Option
KIDS! Parents
