TO AMEND THE ANNUAL CAP FOR DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY SERVICES WITHIN THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

SB 348 increases the annual spending limit for diagnostic laboratory services under Arkansas Medicaid. It raises the standard cap from $500 to $1,800 per year for beneficiaries with chronic pain or pain management, while keeping the cap at $500 for other diagnostic lab services (excluding radiology, which remains at $500). The bill declares an emergency, citing that current low caps contribute to inadequate monitoring of medication use, potentially worsening opioid misuse and increasing emergency room visits. The changes aim to improve patient care by allowing more comprehensive testing for Medicaid patients managing chronic pain.