Governor Hutchinson’s Weekly Address | Expanding Health Services with Life360 HOMEs

Governor Hutchinson’s weekly radio tackle may be present in MP3 format and downloaded HERE.

LITTLE ROCK – Today I want to speak about how Arkansas is increasing well being providers for a number of populations with better well being wants by means of the state’s ARHOME program.

In 2013, the Arkansas General Assembly handed the Health Care Independence Act, which established using expanded Medicaid protection. It was often called the “private option.”

After I took workplace in 2015, we labored to place in place the Arkansas Works Act. This act continued the Private Option, but in addition added options resembling together with a piece requirement.

On January 1, 2022, we launched Arkansas Health & Opportunity for Me, or ARHOME. Like Arkansas Works, ARHOME gives well being care protection for eligible Arkansans, utilizing Medicaid {dollars} to purchase medical health insurance protection for purchasers. The distinction is that ARHOME locations a better emphasis on bettering well being outcomes of those that use it by holding the insurance coverage carriers accountable for assembly well being enchancment targets.

This week, I announced the most recent enlargement to the ARHOME program with the addition of Life360 HOMEs. The General Assembly takes lots of credit score for the arduous work in increasing these providers.

These Life360 HOMEs might be used to help girls with high-risk pregnancies, assist individuals with psychological diseases achieve entry to providers in our rural counties, and provides younger adults most prone to long-term poverty a serving to hand with alternatives and abilities for bettering their lives. They can even present help for hospitals, particularly these in rural areas.

The rural hospitals will supply providers like dwelling visits for eligible girls with high-risk pregnancies. Home visitation applications can enhance maternal well being outcomes and enhance well being for kids.

Another perform of the Life360 HOMEs might be to coordinate providers to people with critical psychological diseases or substance use problems who’re residing in rural areas. They will be capable to associate with our rural hospitals and supply purchasers with take care of as much as 24 months.

In 2021, practically 52,000 ARHOME purchasers in rural counties have been identified with a critical psychological sickness or substance use dysfunction. This means our rural sufferers might be receiving extra remedy with a better concentrate on higher well being outcomes.

These Life360 HOMEs are a vital a part of the ARHOME initiative, and the extra providers made obtainable to Arkansans throughout this state have the potential to make a profound affect on the well being of our residents.

CONTACT: Press Shop (press@governor.arkansas.gov)