This is an update from Kevin De Liban from Legal Aid of Arkansas. He wants to help us understand the latest on ARChoices.

Just a quick update on yesterday’s meeting in the legislature. The Public Health committee gave the RUGs algorithm an unfavorable review, meaning that the committee thinks that DHS should not adopt the RUGs algorithm. At least 4 people on the ARChoices program were present and testified before the legislators, as well as parent caregivers, advocates, case managers, and care agencies. These voices–especially the people on the ARChoices program–let the legislators know the details about how the RUGs algorithm has hurt many beneficiaries. Here is a newspaper article about the meeting.

That is not the end of the process. The RUGs algorithm now goes to the Rules and Regulations Subcommittee on Tuesday, September 18, at 1 p.m. in Room A of the MAC Building. The agenda includes a list of the legislators on the committee as well as other details.

Public comment will be accepted at this meeting. If the Rules subcommittee votes against the RUGs algorithm, it should be the end of it. But, there are some technicalities involved, and I have no way of knowing what the likely outcome is. Whatever happens, it’s inspiring to see how all sorts of people in different situations have been working in their own ways for justice on this issue.

How to contact Kevin with concerns or questions: