Ark. House GOP leader: Medicaid a work in progress - KATV - Breaking News, Weather and Razorback Sports

Ark. House GOP leader: Medicaid a work in progress

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LITTLE ROCK (AP) - The Republican leader of the Arkansas House says his party is still working on legislation to change the state's Medicaid system.

Rep. Bruce Westerman told reporters Monday that he believes fraud and abuse are major problems in the system based on anecdotal evidence he has seen.

He declined to be more specific about the alleged fraud or about the reforms Republicans would be proposing to fix it. Westerman said Republican lawmakers would be releasing proposed reforms later this session.

Gov. Mike Beebe has said that while he believes the state already effectively combats Medicaid fraud, he would be open to any proposals to further reduce it.

Lawmakers are deciding how to solve a Medicaid budget shortfall and whether to expand the program under the federal health care law.

CONTINUING COVERAGE
Ark. Medicaid faces nearly $200M funding gap (Nov. 13)
Ark. Medicaid faces 'significant' cuts in services (Nov. 13)
Beebe: Medicaid expansion can spare nursing homes (Nov. 14)
Ark. surgeon general addresses Medicaid expansion (Nov. 27)
Beebe: Vote on Medicaid expansion during regular session (Jan. 3)
Medicaid expansion hot topic leading up to general assembly (Jan. 7)
Focus on Medicaid as Ark. session begins (Jan. 14)
Beebe: Medicaid shortfall not as large as anticipated (Jan. 15)
Ark. lawmakers seek more details on Medicaid (Jan. 17)
Medicaid shortfall possibly $60 million less than expected (Jan. 17)
Impact of Medicaid expansion on rural hospitals (Jan. 25)
Ark. House GOP leader: Medicaid a work in progress (Jan. 28)
Beebe: Don't delay Medicaid vote until next year (Feb. 11)
Officials tout ‘Medicaid contraction' (March 1)
Ark. lawmakers approve contract on Medicaid (March 5)
Ark. GOP leader floats special session on Medicaid (March 25)