Categories: KTLO

Baxter Health CEO discusses how defeat of House Bill 1930 will affect local hospitals

Last week, the Arkansas House of Representatives failed to pass House Bill 1930 which would’ve set minimum reimbursement rates for private health insurers. With the General Assembly set to unofficially adjourn Wednesday, the bill is not expected to come back up this session. It’s a big blow to hospitals in the state.

Baxter Health CEO and President Ron Peterson was one of several hospital executives who attended the House Insurance and Commerce Committee in support of the bill.



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Peterson says the whole purpose behind the bill, which was sponsored by Republican Representative Jeff Wardlaw of Hermitage, was to show that Arkansas hospitals overall run pretty efficient.

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Peterson, who says he expects one or two hospitals in the state to have to close in the next year, explains why hospitals in the Natural State are having a hard time financially.

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Peterson says the bill would not have been a quick fix for Baxter Health, but it would have been a major boost for the local hospital. Without the extra funds, what does it mean for Baxter Health?

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click to download audioThe hospital CEO says with the staff they have in place locally, he doesn’t see the OB program being on their cut list.


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Peterson says there isn’t another hospital between Mountain Home and Jonesboro that offers OB services, another reason it would not be good to cut the OB program.

Peterson wants to let area residents know, despite the defeat of House Bill 1930, Baxter Health plans to forge ahead.

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Three area representatives voted against House Bill 1930 including Stetson Painter, Jason Nazarenko and Harlan Breaux. Voting in favor were Steven Walker, Trey Steimel and Ron McNair.

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