On April 8, Governor Asa Hutchinson signed HB1001 and SB1 into law.  These identical bills establish the guidelines for Arkansas Works. 

Arkansas Works would replace the program currently referred to as the Private Option which uses federal Medicaid funding to provide private insurance plans for the state’s lowest income residents.  Arkansas Works makes changes to the program such as directing the unemployed to work training programs and requiring wellness exams.

HB1001 passed the House with a vote of 70-30.  The Senate version of the bill passed with a vote of 68-27 and 1 member voting present.

The House will reconvene for the Fiscal Session on April 13.  You can watch live at www.arkansashouse.org