The Arkansas House and Senate have approved companion bills aimed at improving maternal health in the state. The legislation, introduced by Gov. Sarah Sanders, seeks to address the state’s high maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate. The bills, Senate Bill 213 and House Bill 1427, focus on Medicaid, which covers over half of all births in Arkansas. The measures would make it easier for pregnant women to enroll in Medicaid, increase payments to hospitals and doctors for deliveries, and allow Medicaid to cover services like doulas and telemedicine.
While most aspects of the bill are widely supported, the final section, which would shorten the statute of limitations on medical injury lawsuits involving children, has sparked some controversy. Some lawmakers argue that the change could harm families, as some parents may not realize their child has a medical issue until the child is older.
Despite the controversy, Rep. Aaron Pilkington, the lead House sponsor, defended the final section, stating that it would help providers keep labor and delivery units open, particularly in rural areas. The bills passed both the House and Senate with strong support, but some lawmakers, like Sen. Bryan King, expressed concerns about the growth in Medicaid spending.
Overall, the bills aim to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas by making it easier for pregnant women to access Medicaid and ensuring that providers have the resources they need to deliver quality care. The final step will be for both chambers to vote on each other’s bills before the measures can become law.
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