Overview

In an effort to make health care more affordable and to improve the quality of care, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is working with health insurers, doctors, hospitals and other health providers to transform the payment structure of the health care system statewide. Department leaders began this effort with the support of Gov. Mike Beebe because they recognized that Medicaid programs in every state are facing a growing challenge of providing good care with limited resources. To avoid making the dramatic cuts that other states are making to Medicaid programs, Arkansas leaders decided to truly transform the state's health care system so that it is sustainable in the long-term. But they knew the problems facing Medicaid also were facing private payers. DHS and Medicaid have partnered with private insurers to change the current volume-driven model to one that pays health care providers for episodes of care and incentivezes quality care. The intent is to eliminate duplicate tests, poor coordination between your health care providers and unnecessary proced​ures. Initially, we will focus on six clinical episodes: Ambulatory Upper Respiratory Infections, Cardiovascular Disease, Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health, Musculoskeletal Disease, and Pregnancy/NICU. Here you will find a more detailed overview of the initiative, supplemental material for the detailed overview and one-page descriptions of each of the clinical episodes.

Find the latest information about this initiative

Notice: Documentation to promulgate the policy changes for creating the web-based, multi-payor Provider Portal has been filed with the State Legislature. As part of the promulgation process, DHS is hosting a public hearing on April 5 at 9:30 a.m. in the Blue Flame Room inside the Office of Child Support Enforcement, 400 E. Capitol Ave. in Little Rock. The parking lot at the front of the buidling is for customers only. Attendees can park in the Best Park lot at the southwest corner of 6th and Cumberland streets. There also is a "For Sale" sign in the parking lot (two blocks from the office); those who park there need to put a sign in their window with "OCSE."

The official notice to create the web-based, multi-payor Provider Portal can be found here. The entire packet filed with the Legislature can be found here.

To find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this initiative, click here.  

Here you will find handouts and participant lists for the March 26 & March 28 all-workgroups meetings.

Webinar Information and Workgroup Signup

To kick off the workgroup meetings, we hosted three webinars in late September 2011. To view that presentation, click here. 

For more information or updates on workgroups click here.  

       
Do you have questions, concerns or comments about the Arkansas Health Care Payment Improvement Initiative? Would you like to receive regular updates on this initiative?