Beebe Signs “Private Option” Into Law
Today (April 23, 2013) Governor Mike Beebe signed the bi-partisan “private option” alternative to Medicaid expansion.
The AMS strongly supported this bill that will set up the mechanism to provide private health insurance to those with incomes up to 138% of Federal poverty level.
- The bill promotes personal responsibility, rewards healthy and responsible choices, and creates more transparency in both government spending and outcomes.
- It gives the Arkansas Legislature oversight with quarterly reports on enrollment, patient experience, economic impact, carrier competition and uncompensated care.
- It allows the Legislature to make appropriate changes as it sees fit.
- It requires that eligible individuals acknowledge that the program is not an entitlement, and it can be canceled at any time.
- And most importantly, IT WILL SAVE LIVES. Numerous studies have shown that those with health insurance coverage live longer than those without coverage.