Dismantling the PASSE System and Restoring Accountability in Healthcare

The Failed Promise of the PASSE System

In 2017, the Arkansas General Assembly implemented the Provider-led Arkansas Shared Savings Entity (PASSE) system as a cost-saving measure within the state’s Medicaid program. However, as we approach the 2027 gubernatorial election, it’s evident that the PASSE system has failed to deliver on its promises. Instead of improving services for individuals with developmental disabilities, it has created bureaucratic hurdles, stifled innovation, and left many Arkansans without the care they desperately need.

Critique of the PASSE System

The PASSE system was intended to save money by coordinating care for Medicaid beneficiaries with complex medical needs. However, in practice, it has prioritized cost-cutting over quality of care. Providers are forced to navigate a complex maze of administrative burdens, and individuals with disabilities and their families are left feeling unheard and underserved.

One of the most glaring issues with the PASSE system is its lack of accountability and transparency. Decision-making is often opaque, leaving stakeholders in the dark about how their care plans are determined. Moreover, the system has failed to address the critical shortage of Direct Care Professionals (DCPs), resulting in inadequate staffing levels and subpar care for individuals with disabilities.

Proposed Solutions: Putting People First

As a candidate for governor in 2027, I am committed to dismantling the failed PASSE system and replacing it with a more consumer-led approach to Medicaid services. My administration will prioritize the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families, ensuring that they have a voice in their care and access to the services they require.

Enhanced Funding for the Arkansas CES Waiver Program

Under the Department of Human Services’ Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS), my administration will propose enhanced funding for the Arkansas CES Waiver program. This funding will be directed towards service providers who offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver services, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives in their communities.

Investing in Direct Care Professionals

Additionally, my administration will address the critical shortage of Direct Care Professionals by implementing wage enhancements, training programs, and career advancement opportunities within the direct care workforce. By investing in DCPs, we can ensure that individuals with disabilities receive high-quality care from well-trained and dedicated professionals.

Executive Orders for System Overhaul

To kickstart these reforms, I will issue executive orders to dissolve the PASSE system completely and redirect funding back to HCBS service providers. This will streamline the Medicaid program, reduce administrative overhead, and ensure that resources are directed towards frontline care.

A Consumer-Led Approach to Medicaid

Moving forward, my administration will work closely with individuals with disabilities and their families to design a Medicaid system that puts their needs first. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and consumer empowerment, we can build a Medicaid program that works for all Arkansans.