Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson told lawmakers Medicaid spending rose roughly $400 million from the prior fiscal year, driven in part by higher insurance claims than planned. The Arkansas Legislative Council approved a $200 million restricted-reserve request with DHS Secretary Janet Mann to cover the state’s required Medicaid match.
Hudson warned the reserve will not stretch through the full fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and urged lawmakers to keep Medicaid fully funded. SE Arkansas hospitals, clinics, and ARKids households should track session briefings — coverage policy moves fast.
Source: News From The States — Arkansas finance secretary urges lawmakers to keep Medicaid fully funded. Related DHS context via Arkansas Advocate ARHOME coverage.
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