Arkansas Code
Subchapter 1 - General Provisions
§ 16-93-107. Medicaid eligibility of parolee or probationer — Definition

(a) The Division of Correction shall screen inmates nearing release from incarceration and the Division of Community Correction shall screen parolees and probationers under supervision for Medicaid eligibility.
(b) If an inmate nearing release from incarceration, parolee, or probationer receives medical services, including substance abuse and mental health treatment, that meet criteria for Medicaid coverage, the parole officer, probation officer, or Division of Correction official or Division of Community Correction official may apply for Medicaid coverage for the inmate nearing release from incarceration, parolee, or probationer under this section.
(c)
(1) The inmate nearing release from incarceration, parolee, or probationer may designate an authorized representative for the purposes of filing a Medicaid application and complying with Medicaid requirements for determining and maintaining eligibility.
(2) However, the parole officer, probation officer, or Division of Correction official or Division of Community Correction official shall be the authorized representative for purposes of establishing and maintaining Medicaid eligibility under this subsection if:
(A) The inmate nearing release from incarceration, parolee, or probationer does not designate an authorized representative within three (3) business days after request; or
(B) The authorized representative designated under subdivision (c)(1) of this section does not file a Medicaid application within three (3) business days after appointment and request.

(d) An authorized representative under this section:
(1) Shall have access to the information necessary to comply with Medicaid requirements; and
(2) May provide and receive information in connection with establishing and maintaining Medicaid eligibility, including confidential information.

(e)
(1) The parole officer, probation officer, or Division of Correction official or Division of Community Correction official or the designee of the parole officer, probation officer, or Division of Correction official or Division of Community Correction official may access information necessary to determine if a Medicaid application has been filed on behalf of the inmate nearing release from incarceration, parolee, or probationer.
(2) Access under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall be to:
(A) Establish Medicaid eligibility;
(B) Provide healthcare services; or
(C) Pay for healthcare services.

(f) As used in this section, “Medicaid eligibility” means eligibility for any healthcare coverage offered by the Department of Human Services.