Medicaid
Arkansas’ Delta Dental Bets on Startups to Improve Oral Care and Efficiency
After posting a $7.46 million loss in 2024, Delta Dental of Arkansas is launching new ventures to address the state's oral health crisis. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Interim Chancellor Dr. C. Lowry Barnes on UAMS’ Financial Turnaround and Growth Strategy
While he has braced UAMS against the impact of tariffs and expiring tax credits, Barnes has also devised a plan to expand the medical institution instead of simply cutting costs. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
![North Arkansas Regional Medical Center [photo provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hospital_1_opt-e1760044083827-300x194.jpg)
40% of Arkansas Hospitals Report Losses in 2024 as Costs Outpace Revenues
Uncertainty over federal legislation and expiring tax credits adds pressure, even as systems invest millions in expansions, new technology and AI to improve care and efficiency. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Kristi Putnam Resigns as Arkansas DHS Secretary; Governor Picks Janet Mann to Lead Agency
Mann, the state Medicaid director, brings more than 20 years of experience in health care and health care finance to the role. read more >
![Curtis Barnett is the president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield. He’s navigating a funding crisis in the health care and insurance industries. [Karen E. Segrave]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ARBusiness-Curtiss-Barnett-0040_opt-300x194.jpg)
CEO Confronts Arkansas Blue Cross’ Historic Loss Amid Health Care Crisis
After a record $226 million loss, Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield’s CEO faces tough challenges ahead in an increasingly costly and complex health care landscape. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Delta Dental’s $7.4M Loss Tied to Tech Upgrade
The extensive $25 million tech project included changing the claim, eligibility and payment systems of the dental insurance nonprofit based in Sherwood. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Unveils New Medicaid Work Requirement Plan
The "Pathway to Prosperity" program would use automated tracking and coaching instead of terminating coverage, aiming to avoid legal challenges that blocked previous attempts. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Arkansas Hospitals Brace for More Insurer Showdowns Amid Financial Recovery
Hospitals in Arkansas and nationwide are improving financially but still face challenges, including insurance disputes, staffing shortages, and financial uncertainties in 2025. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield Lays Off About 75 Workers, Reports $100M Loss
The state's dominant health insurance carrier cited rising health care costs and membership declines as key factors. read more >
by Gwen Moritz, Mark Friedman -
Arkansas Gets $17M Federal Grant to Support Maternal Health Initiatives
The grant will provide state Medicaid funding over 10 years with a goal of reducing disparities in access and treatment for pregnant women, new mothers and babies. read more >
Tech Meets Recovery: Bentonville-Based Sober Sidekick Reshapes Sobriety Support
Sober Sidekick, a Bentonville sobriety app with 500,000 users, uses peer support and data to reduce relapse rates and transform addiction care. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Arkansas Doulas Form Group, Search for Director
Part of the job will be lobbying the state’s Medicaid program and private insurers to pay for doulas’ services. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Prioritize Maternal Health to Grow the Economy (Olivia Walton Commentary)
Maternal health solutions can improve outcomes, strengthen families and help Arkansas prosper. read more >
by Olivia Walton -
Death to the Fiscal (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
Arkansas’ fiscal session wastes time and money every other year. We should scrap it. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Hyatt May Face 200 Lawsuits by Ex-Patients
Dr. Brian Hyatt, the former chair of the Arkansas State Medical Board, is facing 102 lawsuits from former patients, and attorneys anticipate filing another 100 cases against him. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Reading The Future: Health Care (40 Years of Arkansas Business)
“I think there could be possibly more mergers or management agreements with hospitals that are facing financial challenges.” said Bo Ryall, President & CEO of the Arkansas Hospital Association. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Healthcare Havoc: Arkansas Institutions Grapple with Aftermath of Cyberattack
The Feb. 21 cyberattack squeezed cash flow to hospitals and prevented dozens of physicians and pharmacists from collecting millions of dollars’ worth of claims. The full scale of the attack’s damage may not be fully calculated for months. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Hospitals Must Obtain Written Consent for Pelvic and Similar Exams, The Federal Government Says
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the guidance was issued to “reiterate and provide clarity” regarding hospital consent requirements. read more >
by Associated Press -
Medicaid Inspector General Suspends Medicaid Payments to Little Rock Doctor Pending Investigation
The inspector general found a "credible allegation of fraud" against Dr. Alonzo Williams, who practices at the Arkansas Diagnostic Center. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
State to Receive $191K From Medicaid Fraud Settlement
Publicly traded Lincare, based in Clearwater, Florida, was accused of overbilling Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. read more >
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