TO AMEND THE MEDICAID PROVIDER-LED ORGANIZED CARE ACT; TO IMPROVE THE ENROLLMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS IN RISK-BASED PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS; AND TO EMPOWER BENEFICIARIES WITH INFORMATION.

Senate Bill 542 aimed to amend the Medicaid Provider-Led Organized Care Act in Arkansas, focusing on improving the experience for Medicaid beneficiaries. It would have required risk-based provider organizations to establish an online quality rating system, making data on service delivery, care coordinator performance, and member satisfaction publicly accessible. The bill also mandated real-time online provider directories and the creation of a dedicated beneficiary support system within the Department of Human Services. These measures were intended to empower beneficiaries, particularly those with intellectual, developmental, or behavioral health needs, with information to make informed choices about their care providers.