AR HB1271

Creates the Arkansas Health Insurance Innovation Act of 2017 as a new subchapter in Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 61 to encourage innovative approaches to health insurance coverage and healthcare delivery.

Authorizes the Insurance Commissioner, Department of Finance and Administration, Department of Human Services, and Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace Board to individually or collectively submit and apply for federal waivers under 42 U.S.C. § 1315, § 1396n, § 18052, 31 C.F.R. Part 33 (Section 1332 Waivers), and 45 C.F.R. Part 155 Subpart N.

Grants each authorized entity rulemaking authority to implement the subchapter and federal waivers, with marketplace rules exempt from the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act and Governor determining rule priority in joint waiver applications.

Requires waivers submitted under this authority to receive legislative approval upon presentation to and review by the Legislative Council or Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace Legislative Oversight Committee.

Declares an emergency effective upon Governor approval to address federal law time frames and deadlines for waiver submissions and to initiate reforms of the state's health insurance market.