HJAR May/Jun 2023

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  MAY / JUN 2023 49 Keith Metz Deputy Chief of Communications Office of Communications and Community Engagement Arkansas Department of Human Services their coverage through health insurance that Arkansas Medicaid purchases from qualified health plans available on theArkansas Health Insurance Marketplace. DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam, who serves on the recently created Governor’sWorkforce Cabinet, noted that the workforce develop- ment component is a key part of the effort aimed at ensuring that the state workforce is prepared for high-wage, high-growth ca- reers. The Workforce Cabinet will integrate all the state’s workforce programs and ensure a holistic approach to helping these Medic- aid beneficiaries achieve economic stability. “The workforce development component challenges those enrolled in ARHOME to embrace economic opportunities that can lead to true job advancement,”Putnam said. “Meaningful work connects people to pur- pose – and through the pandemic we have seen negative mental health impacts from people feeling disconnected. I’m excited both to spearhead this new program and to support it through the work of the Work- force Cabinet, which strives to make sure all Arkansans have access and opportunity to compete for meaningful careers with good pay and health coverage.” Arkansas law already allows DHS to use qualified health plan enrollment as an in- centive for economic independence. Benefi- ciaries who choose not to participate in the workforce development component would remain covered under Medicaid, but they will receive benefits through fee-for-service pro- viders rather than the enhanced coverage offered by qualified health plans. Implementation of the workforce develop- ment component will require an amendment to theARHOME Section 1115 Medicaid Dem- onstrationWaiver, which must be approved by the federal Centers for Medicare andMed- icaid Services (CMS). DHS published a draft waiver amendment onApril 23, allowing for a 30-day public comment before the amend- ment is formally submitted for approval. The proposed effective date for the amendment is January 1, 2024. n ARHOME WORK REQUIREMENT In February 2023, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders directed the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to request an amendment to its Medicaid ex- pansion program known asArkansas Health and Opportunity for Me, or ARHOME. This amendment will require able-bodied adults who receive enhanced Medicaid coverage under ARHOME to engage in activities such as working a full- or part-time job; partici- pating in higher education; or participating in skills or trades training each month. “Under my direction, Secretary Putnam will be submitting a request to the federal government to require ARHOME recipients to work, go to school, or volunteer,” Sanders said. “This will address our state’s workforce challenges and empower thousands of Ar- kansans to escape the trap of government dependency.” ARHOME provides Medicaid coverage for more than 300,000 adults who have incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. Most ARHOME beneficiaries receive