LITTLE ROCK — Supporters of Arkansas’ “private option” agree that keeping the state’s compromise Medicaid expansion alive is going to require overhauling a program providing coverage to thousands of residents. The challenge is coming up with changes that can win the support of federal officials and skeptical lawmakers on both sides of the debate.
The program’s fate is expected to become clearer this week, with Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson set to deliver a speech Thursday on the future of health care in Arkansas that will also address his plans for the private option.
Hutchinson and legislative leaders have signaled that if he supports keeping the private option in place, he’ll want to transform the program and the overall Medicaid system.
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