Task Force

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — Notifications being sent to thousands of people on Arkansas' compromise Medicaid expansion telling them the program is ending would also include information about a task force looking at alternatives for coverage, under a measure heading to the House.

The Senate approved by a 26-3 vote a proposal to add information about the task force to notifications approved by the Legislature. The notifications are being sent to those enrolling or renewing their coverage in the "private option," which uses federal funds to purchase private insurance for the poor.

Lawmakers have voted to extend the private option another year while the task force comes up with recommendations, which could include some form of Medicaid expansion similar to the private option.