Healthcare

Arkansas lawmakers are discussing potential changes to the way hospitals are reimbursed for providing birthing services. Members of the Joint Public Health Committee debated a rule change on Wednesday that would increase the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rate for obstetrics.

Arkansas’ maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the country. Ingeborg Initiatives, based in Bentonville, wants to change that narrative.

Amid proposed cuts to Medicaid from Congress, a report released on Thursday from Georgetown University examines the significant role Medicaid plays in maternal healthcare for rural communities. Ozarks at Large’s Daniel Caruth has more.

The National Science Foundation is observing its 75th anniversary this month, but is also facing deep cuts. On today's show, we ask one professor of biological sciences what the NSF has meant to his career. Also, tracking the possible effects of cuts to Medicaid on rural maternal health. Plus, road construction occurs on a less-busy University of Arkansas campus.

Arkansas Medicaid recipients and advocates are concerned about the state’s plan to reinstate work reporting requirements. The state has asked the federal government for permission to require some Arkansans to work a certain number of hours or meet exemptions to stay enrolled in the state’s Medicaid expansion program.

Heartland Forward, a Bentonville-based think tank, is launching a maternal and child health care center to reduce disparities and improve accessible care across the state. The announcement was made this morning at the Heartland Summit in Bentonville. The center’s official name is the Maternal and Child Health Center for Policy and Practice.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is taking advantage of the opportunity to grow and strengthen Arkansas’ community health workforce after Gov. Sanders signed the Community Health Worker Act into law.

The Clinton School for Public Service is extending its work beyond the classroom. On today's show, we hear how the school works with public service groups and nonprofits. We also investigate what service community health workers can provide. Plus, what can AI do that's a service to all of us?

An ambitious goal to improve health and healthcare in the middle of the country is taking shape in a new home in Bentonville.

The goal of improving health and healthcare in the middle of the country leads to the grand opening of the Heartland Whole Health Institute. On today's show, we’ll take you to the scene of the ribbon cutting. Also, a conversation with the two-time Grammy-winning band The Lost Bayou Ramblers. Plus, we'll discuss this week's headlines with Talk Business' Michael Tilley.