Private Option Funded Through June 2016.
The AP (2/6, Demillo) reports that the Arkansas Legislature reauthorized the state’s “private option” Medicaid expansion program on Thursday, meaning the plan “will survive another year.” The Arkansas House voted 82-16 to reauthorize funding through June 2016. The measure now heads to Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R), “who had…
Republican lawmakers unveil ACA replacement plan
(AMA Grand Rounds, 2-5-15) - The New York Times (2/5, A18, Pear, Subscription Publication) reports that three “influential Republican members of Congress unveiled a comprehensive proposal on Wednesday to replace President Obama’s health care overhaul with an alternative that would halt the expansion of Medicaid and scale back…
Fort Smith Museum Honors the Memory of Dr. Harry P. McDonald in New Exhibit
(SW Times Record) - In celebration of Black History Month, the Fort Smith Museum of History will add new faces to its exhibit in February at the museum, 320 Rogers Ave. Those viewing the Black HIstory Month Exhibit will learn about Dr. Harry P. McDonald, who served as…
More states embracing Medicaid expansion.
Bloomberg News (2/3) reports that Republican-led states that previously rejected Medicaid expansion under the ACA “have found a way to embrace it, under pressure from businesses to tap the flood of federal dollars it brings.” Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (R), for instance, called lawmakers into a special session…
What CMS’ meaningful use changes could mean for physicians
From AMA Wire, 1-29-15: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Thursday its intent to modify meaningful use requirements, the notoriously burdensome electronic health record (EHR) incentive and penalty program, potentially making it easier for physicians to meet meaningful use. The agency said it would “engage…
Attempt to repeal ‘private option’ rejected by House panel
The proposal to end the "private option" on December 31st failed today (Jan 29) before the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee. The vote was 8-10. The private option uses federal money to purchase private insurance for the poor. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson has called on lawmakers…
House to hold ACA repeal vote next week
Fox News (1/28) reports on its website that House Republicans are set to hold their first vote of the new Congress to repeal the ACA next week. The vote comes as the GOP debates how to address the health law. Republican lawmakers are facing mounting pressure from conservative…
New Certification Selection Process on the AHIN Provider Portal for ADHD
Beginning in February (or before) there will be a new certification selection process on the AHIN provider portal for ADHD. The old selection options presented two questions: Have you treated this patient for ADHD? Is this a severe patient who requires Level II Care? The new method presents…
Private Option, Budget and Tax Cuts on Legislative Agenda this Week
Capitol action will be plentiful during a short week as lawmakers and Gov. Asa Hutchinson return Tuesday for the state's legislative session. Hutchinson is scheduled to release his budget for 2015-2016 early in the week, have his tax cut proposal head to a state Senate committee Wednesday and…
January Newsletter Now Availible
The January issue of AMS NewsBriefs has been distributed via email and printed mail. Members, if you did not receive a copy, please give us a call to update your subscription preferences at 800-542-1058. The issue is available online in the Publications section as well as excerpts in…
United Health Care Credentialing Delay
As many of you are aware, AMS has received numerous complaints regarding delays in physician credentialing with United Health Care. Several months ago, executives from UHC were asked to sit down with AMS and attempt to solve the issues. That meeting failed to bring about results and the…