AGP Executive Report

Maternal Mental Health Data Gap: Arkansas requires postpartum depression screening, but experts say the state lacks clear data on whether it’s actually happening because providers often aren’t billing for it—while Medicaid reimbursement is just $3.86 for the screening. Community Health Access: Medic One is expanding ambulance service into Greene County via a partnership with St. Bernards, aiming to improve emergency care access in Northeast Arkansas. Preventive Care in North Central AR: Baxter Health’s 45th annual Health Fair and Expo returns Oct. 7 in Mountain Home with free vital-sign checks and vouchers for four free lab tests (including blood sugar, cholesterol, PSA and HbA1c). Local Governance & Health: Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott urged parental accountability after a River Market shooting sent a juvenile to a local hospital in stable condition. Health & Wellness in the Spotlight: A WalletHub study ranks Arkansas near the bottom for “happiest states,” citing lower sleep, safety concerns, and weaker community factors. Healthcare Workforce & Culture: CARTI and CHI St. Vincent highlight retention strategies—career pipelines, wellness supports, and loan forgiveness—amid ongoing staffing shortages.

Rural Health Mapping: The University of Arkansas won a $777,351 Rural Health Transformation Program grant to expand the Arkansas Health Survey into THRIVE RADAR, a statewide map of rural health needs, care resources, and service gaps. Medicaid & Aging Costs: Arkansas finance leaders urged lawmakers to keep Medicaid fully funded after a reported $400M spending hike, as states grapple with affordability and access pressures. Pharmacy Middlemen Fight: Missouri’s latest attempt to reform pharmacy benefit managers failed again, while Arkansas’ PBM anti-competitive law (signed in 2025) remains a key reference point for advocates. Healthcare System Resilience: A look back at the Change Healthcare cyberattack highlights how clearinghouse failures can disrupt claims, eligibility, and payments—turning automation into manual work and straining patient access. Maternal Health: A commentary on “Healthy moms, healthy babies” stresses better folic acid use before pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Food Safety: Walmart’s Great Value frozen berry blend recall in 16 states raises E. coli concerns, with guidance to discard affected lots. Community Health Events: UAPB announced its 66th Rural Life Conference (Nov. 4-6) focused on education, community, and rural economic opportunities.

Medicaid Funding Watch: Arkansas lawmakers heard Medicaid costs jumped by $400M in the last fiscal year, driven by an “unfavorable” claims experience, as officials asked for $200M in restricted reserves to cover the state match and urged keeping Medicaid fully funded. Specialty Care Expansion: Alice Walton and Mercy broke ground on the AWSOM Whole Health Campus in Bentonville, aiming to expand access to specialty care with a “whole person” approach. Rural Health Access: Baxter Health received major state investment to expand rural healthcare access, while Arkansas also announced plans to expand in-home care services for residents waiting for CES support. Pharmacy & PBM Fight: Arkansas pharmacies filed a lawsuit against Express Scripts over alleged prescription underpayments, adding to a growing national push over drug pricing and reimbursement. Public Health Alerts: Arkansas Department of Health announced free flu vaccine clinics statewide, and health officials flagged a measles exposure risk after a traveler’s trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. Local Care Updates: UAMS welcomed new neurosurgeons and named a new director for its Nurse Anesthesia Program; SWARMC marked its second anniversary with thanks to community partners for keeping the hospital open.

Medicaid funding pressure in Arkansas: Arkansas finance secretary Jim Hudson told lawmakers Medicaid spending jumped by about $400M in the last fiscal year, driven by higher claims experience, as the Legislative Council approved $200M in restricted reserve funds for the state’s required match; Medicaid covered nearly 840,000 Arkansans at a cost over $9.8B, and officials urged lawmakers to keep Medicaid fully funded. Drug pricing shift with national ripple effects: President Trump announced Medicaid “most favored nation” drug pricing access for all 50 states under the GENEROUS program, with claims of major Medicaid savings; Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined the announcement. Heat illness risk: A new study estimates climate change contributed to about 25% of heat-related ER visits in the Southern Plains region that includes Arkansas. Specialty care expansion in Bentonville: Alice Walton and partners broke ground on the AWSOM Whole Health Campus, aiming to expand access to specialty care and a “whole person” approach. Local pharmacy lawsuit: Twelve Arkansas pharmacies sued Express Scripts in Missouri court over alleged prescription underpayments affecting more than 40,000 claims. Rural mental health training: Extension is expanding rural mental health training in Arkansas, using farm-friendly approaches to reach producers.

Medicaid Drug Pricing Push: President Trump says all 50 states will get lower “most-favored-nation” drug prices under the GENEROUS model, with supplemental rebates aimed at cutting Medicaid drug spending by tens of billions over a decade—Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined the announcement. State Budget Pressure: Arkansas lawmakers approved $200 million in restricted Medicaid reserve funds after the state spent about $400 million more on Medicaid than the prior year, and officials urged keeping Medicaid fully funded. Flu Shot Access: The Arkansas Department of Health will run free, no-appointment flu vaccine clinics in all 75 counties starting Sept. 21 for anyone 6 months and older, with vaccines provided at no charge. Pharmacy-PBM Fight: Twelve Arkansas pharmacies sued Express Scripts in Missouri, alleging underpayments on more than 40,000 claims and seeking damages under a state law tied to NADAC reimbursement floors. Cancer Research (SOHO): A SOHO meeting poster highlighted sex-based differences in inpatient outcomes for aggressive B-cell lymphoma, including fewer inpatient complications for women but higher depression rates. Local Care Expansion: UAMS celebrated Northwest Arkansas’ first MS clinic in Fayetteville, aiming to reduce long-distance travel for specialty care.

Flu Prevention: The Arkansas Department of Health is rolling out free community flu vaccine clinics statewide starting Sept. 21, with no appointments needed and shots available at no charge for everyone 6 months and older. Local Health Access: UAMS marked a win for specialty care with the opening of a new Multiple Sclerosis clinic in Fayetteville, bringing MS treatment from UAMS specialists to Northwest Arkansas. Rural Health Planning: The University of Arkansas received $777,351 to expand the Arkansas Health Survey into THRIVE RADAR, a statewide tool to map rural health gaps and improve telehealth access. Whole-Person Care Investment: Alice Walton Foundation and Mercy broke ground on the AWSOM Whole Health Campus in Bentonville, a 120+ acre destination for specialty care and whole-health innovation, with a $50 million Tyson pledge. Food Safety Watch: Pulaski County restaurant inspections flagged issues including unsafe food temperatures and sanitation problems, with ADH listing priority violations from recent visits. Public Health Data & Oversight: USDA announced a $50 million Stand-Up Program to expand state meat inspection efforts, including Arkansas, as part of broader federal plans affecting beef processing and labeling. Health System Experience: A new report highlights how some women say they were dismissed by the health system when seeking mental health support during pregnancy and postpartum. Health & Economy Context: Arkansas’ unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in August, with job gains in areas including private education and health services.

Rural Access Boost: Baxter Health won State of Arkansas Rural Health Transformation Program funding for THRIVE at Home and the Baxter Health Rural Access Network, aiming to bring more services closer to patients with telehealth, remote monitoring, and stronger rural clinic support. Specialty Care Expansion: Alice Walton and Mercy broke ground on the $700M AWSOM Whole Health Campus in Bentonville, building a hospital with 250 beds and 40 operating rooms plus a major cancer center to expand specialty care and a “whole person” approach. Statewide Health Data Tool: U of Arkansas Fayetteville received $777,351 to expand the Arkansas Health Survey into Thrive Radar, a statewide platform to map rural health needs and where resources and gaps exist. Local Emergency Care: West Little Rock held a ribbon-cutting for a new “micro-hospital” offering 24/7 emergency care, imaging, and inpatient beds, operated by Nutex Health. ACA Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million people in 30 states, including Arkansas, will get $500 “Obamacare” refunds tied to federal marketplace user fees. Food Safety Alerts: FDA recall notices included Tex-Mex items and Walmart-linked frozen berries sold in Arkansas, urging shoppers to check labels and return or discard affected products.

Medicaid Waitlist Pressure: Arkansas families of children with disabilities packed the state Capitol to urge Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and lawmakers to act on a Medicaid waiver waitlist that leaves more than 2,400 families waiting for supportive services. Food Safety Alerts: Walmart shoppers in Arkansas are being told to check labels after multiple recalls, including frozen fruit tied to possible E. coli and other items flagged for safety risks. Baby Formula Accountability: New York AG Letitia James announced Abbott Laboratories will pay more than $384 million after allegations of unsafe manufacturing practices tied to baby formula used with Medicaid and WIC. Rural Access Push: Walmart is piloting a pharmacist-led “Health Ambassador” role in Searcy, Arkansas, aiming to connect rural customers to health and nutrition resources. Whole-Health Investment in NWA: Tyson Family Foundation and Tyson Foods pledged $50 million toward the Alice Walton School of Medicine Whole Health Campus in Bentonville, focused on specialty-care gaps. Severe Recall Escalation: FDA placed Taylor Fresh jalapeño products in its highest recall category over possible salmonella contamination, with distribution including Arkansas.

Medicaid Waitlist Pressure: Arkansas families of children with disabilities renewed calls for a special legislative session after Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said DHS will start supportive living services for CES Waiver waitlist families in January, with an estimated $17 million plan—advocates say the fix doesn’t fully address long-standing waiver limits. Pharmacy-PBM Fight: Five Arkansas independent pharmacies sued Express Scripts, alleging repeated underpayments below Arkansas’s NADAC-based minimum reimbursement rules for tens of thousands of claims. UAMS Access Expansion: UAMS launched an on-demand telehealth booth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport, adding another way Arkansans can access care. Dental Care for Kids: TeamSmile and Colgate brought free dental services to underserved children at the University of Arkansas Randal Tyson Track Center, including exams, cleanings, X-rays, and follow-up treatment. FEMA Disaster Funding: FEMA approved more than $39 million for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation across Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico, including public health and safety repairs and flood-protection upgrades. Obamacare Refunds: The White House announced $500 refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states using the federal ACA exchange, including Arkansas, tied to alleged overcharges from federal “user fees.” Workforce/State Ops: Reports say Arkansas is cutting 71 positions in a statewide restructuring, raising concerns about capacity for health and human services.

Obamacare refunds in Arkansas: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal exchange “user fees,” a move aimed at returning surplus premium costs. Workforce & benefits overhaul: Arkansas lawmakers will consider a proposal to reorganize workforce and public assistance entry points, including creating an Office of Workforce Solutions and shifting workforce case management while keeping DHS eligibility decisions for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Menopause drug access: The FDA acknowledges a nationwide shortage of estrogen-based hormonal patches and says manufacturers are expanding capacity to meet rising demand. Exercise and weight-loss research: Arkansas Colleges of Health Education in Fort Smith secured a $3.3M NIH grant for a 24-week trial comparing aerobic-only vs. aerobic-plus-resistance training to explain why results vary. Water/wastewater funding: Gov. Sanders announced $8.2M for Arkansas water and wastewater projects, including emergency loans for sewer and treatment upgrades. Local health services: Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center marks its second anniversary, highlighting continued efforts to keep care available in Hempstead County. Food safety checks: Saline County restaurant inspections flagged issues like missing food protection manager certification and improper storage/handwashing practices. Maternal health policy watch: Texas’ maternal mortality report is delayed until after the midterm election, raising transparency concerns. Community health events: Texarkana plans a Senior Expo, Heart Walk, and an Alzheimer’s Association motorcycle poker run.

Obamacare refunds: The White House says it will issue $500 refunds for “Obamacare overcharges” to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, tied to federal exchange “user fees.” Flu prevention push: Arkansas Department of Health is rolling out free flu shots at local clinics next week, including a drive-thru clinic in Baxter County (Sept. 25) and a no-appointment community clinic in Texarkana (Sept. 22). Maternal health access: ADH will host free MOM Block Party-style events in Northwest and Southeast Arkansas (Oct. 10 in Springdale) to connect expectant and new mothers with WIC, immunizations, breastfeeding support, and postpartum resources. Telehealth at the airport: UAMS installed an on-demand telehealth booth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport, offering access to UAMS providers via its digital platforms. PBM fight in court: Twelve Arkansas pharmacies sued Express Scripts in federal court, alleging underpayment for tens of thousands of prescriptions. Local health & care updates: Baxter Health added an addiction-medicine focus to its Pain Clinic with a new physician. Community safety: Warren is offering up to $2,000 rewards in two unsolved homicides, with Arkansas State Police investigating.

Support for kids with disabilities: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a proposed $17 million expansion to provide supportive-living services for Arkansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities while they wait for the CES waiver, aiming to reduce the long waitlist (2,464 people) by using Provider-Led Arkansas Shared Savings Entities. Telehealth access at travel hubs: UAMS installed a private telehealth booth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport, letting travelers get face-to-face care for nonemergency issues without a boarding pass; visits are billed like in-person appointments. Water safety concern: Central Arkansas Water reported a fluoride shortage, leaving more than half a million Arkansans temporarily without fluoridated drinking water amid national supply disruptions. State health workforce shakeup: The Arkansas Department of Health plans to eliminate 71 positions as part of a statewide restructuring, with officials saying local services won’t be affected. Care capacity and training: UAMS named Martina Steed, Ph.D., CRNA, director of its Nurse Anesthesia Program, and four UAMS neonatologists earned Ph.D.s to strengthen physician-scientist roles. Local healthcare recognition: Six Southeast Arkansas physicians were named among AY About You’s 2026 Best Healthcare Professionals. Workplace health/legal: A federal suit alleges age discrimination and retaliation by a Hot Springs Village POA golf department manager.

Obamacare Refunds in Arkansas: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal Obamacare exchange user fees. Cancer Screening Coverage: Guardant Health announced its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening will be covered by EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for eligible patients age 45+ at average risk. Maternal Health Funding: The Waltons pledged $100 million to cut U.S. maternal deaths in half, with funds aimed at rural care, postpartum support, and expanding the maternal health workforce. Public Health Workforce Cuts: Arkansas Department of Health plans to lay off more than three dozen workers and eliminate unfilled positions effective Nov. 1, saying services won’t be affected. Lactation Access at Arkansas State: Arkansas State University added lactation rooms across campus, including at Centennial Bank Stadium, to help students and staff pump without missing class or work. Opioid Response in Jonesboro: Renew Mental Health & Wellness received a $768 credit from the Arkansas Naloxone Bank to expand naloxone access through its Naloxone HERO Program in Craighead County. Local Health & Wellness Policy: Arkansas lawmakers are set to review nearly $600K in federal grants for substance misuse prevention and mental health programs, including amendments tied to Partnership for Success. Community Health Equity: KUAF and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation highlighted ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained) households in Arkansas—working people still struggling to make ends meet.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, will get $500 refunds for alleged federal Obamacare “user fee” overcharges tied to the Biden-era exchange operations. Hospital Network Dispute: CHI St. Vincent says it’s now out of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s network after contract talks failed, warning patients could face access changes at its Little Rock-area hospitals, surgery centers and clinics. Cardiac Tech Update: Luma Vision won expanded FDA clearance for its Verafeye cardiac procedure intelligence software, aiming to combine imaging, visualization, navigation and guidance for arrhythmia procedures. UAMS Education & Research: UAMS recognized its inaugural Chancellor’s Scholars class with full-tuition scholarships, while UA Little Rock researcher Dr. Sujan Ghosh received support to build a more realistic 3D model of the human small intestine. Rural Care & Coverage: Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden is seeking new management as it works through Chapter 11, with telehealth upgrades planned after a federal grant. Maternal Health: UMMC’s telehealth program was renewed for five more years as a Center of Excellence in Telehealth, focusing on chronic disease and heart failure care among other priorities. Food Safety: New Arkansas restaurant inspection reports flagged issues ranging from sanitation and handwashing to expired permits and improper sanitizer strength.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, will get $500 refunds for “Obamacare overcharges” tied to federal exchange “user fees,” with checks aimed at people who paid full premiums. Public Health Supply Disruption: Central Arkansas Water says fluoride has been missing from taps for about two weeks after the utility ran out of hydrofluorosilicic acid, pointing to global supply strain. Local Hospital Reorganization: Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden is in Chapter 11, and three groups are in talks to buy or take over management; the hospital is also preparing to add telehealth after a $5.6 million rural health grant. Mental Health & Suicide: A Jonesboro-area mother is speaking out after losing her daughter to suicide, urging others to seek help and support. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese in seven states due to undeclared egg lysozyme, warning people with egg allergies. Healthcare Costs Snapshot: A Visual Capitalist map ranks states by healthcare cost index using prices for doctor, dentist, optometrist visits and common drugs. Tick-Borne Allergy Watch: Doctors warn Alpha-Gal Syndrome is rising in the Mid-South, with Lone Star ticks linked to red-meat allergy reactions. Maternal Health/Workforce: Arkansas Department of Health announced a workforce reduction plan, while UAMS and partners continue maternal health efforts.

Obamacare refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Arkansas, will get $500 refunds for “overcharges” tied to federal Obamacare exchange user fees. Maternal health access: Arkansas Department of Health launched a pregnancy/prenatal hotline, and Arkansas Advocate reports the Waltons’ $100M push to cut maternal deaths. Workforce and rural care: Arkansas Department of Health announced a workforce reduction plan (71 positions), while HHS awarded $25M to support rural hospitals across 13 states. Food safety: Whole Foods recalled Cabricharme cheese in seven states due to undeclared egg lysozyme—an issue for people with egg allergies. Pharmacy access fight: A federal judge struck down an Arkansas law aimed at closing drugstores tied to PBMs, with other states watching similar proposals. Local healthcare staffing: Washington Regional announced physician and physician assistant hires in Northwest Arkansas. Health on campus: A-State added lactation rooms across campus to reduce barriers for nursing mothers. Tick-borne allergy warning: Alpha-Gal Syndrome coverage highlights rising cases in the Mid-South, including Arkansas. Arkansas health system news: UAMS added new nursing leadership and announced continued recognition for stroke care.