TO ENCOURAGE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO REEVALUATE THE MEDICARE PHYSICIAN FEE SCHEDULE LOCALITY STRUCTURE AND ENSURE ACCURATE GEOGRAPHIC PRACTICE COST INDICES FOR THE METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS OF THIS STATE.

HCR 1007 is a concurrent resolution urging Congress to reevaluate Medicare reimbursement rates for Arkansas healthcare providers. It specifically requests that Congress adjust the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule locality structure to create separate reimbursement categories for the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers (CBSA 22220) and Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway (CBSA 30780) metropolitan areas, which currently share a single locality code (Locality 13) despite higher operational costs. The resolution argues that current reimbursement rates fail to reflect actual practice costs in these urban areas, disproportionately impacting providers and limiting patient access to care. Arkansas lawmakers note the state ranks third-worst nationally for Medicare locality reimbursement, urging Congress to correct this to ensure fair compensation aligned with regional economic realities. (Note: This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, intended to encourage federal action.)