Arkansas Administrative Code Agency 226 - Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace
Here’s an overview of Agency 226 – Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace under the Arkansas Administrative Code:
📘 Agency 226 Overview
Agency 226 establishes the regulatory framework for Arkansas’s state-based Health Insurance Marketplace (also known as the Arkansas Health Connector). It's designed under the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace Act (Ark. Code Ann. § 23‑61‑801 et seq.) and guides how the state facilitates Marketplace operations, vendor relations, emergency protocols, and governance (regulations.justia.com).
Key Rules & Provisions
1. Rule 226.00.13‑001 – Operating Rules
Outlines core "Operating Rules of the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace," setting procedures for daily operations, consumer support, enrollment, administration, and compliance.
Incorporated by reference in the Marketplace’s bylaws (law.cornell.edu).
2. Rule 226.00.14‑002 – Policies & Procedures for Vendors
Defines procurement standards, bidding methods (telephone, written, electronic), procurement timelines, contract types, vendor eligibility, and award processes.
Applies to any vendor engaging with the Marketplace under authority of Ark. Code Ann. § 23‑61‑801 et seq. (regulations.justia.com).
3. Rule 226.00.14‑003 – Emergency Operating Rules
Empowers the Marketplace to promulgate emergency rules to address urgent situations (e.g., public health crises), overriding standard procedures temporarily. These emergency rules are considered part of the broader operating framework.
4. Rule 226.00.14‑004 – Operating Rules (2014)
Contains the initial set of formal operating procedures active since 2014, later updated by the 226.00.13‑001 rules.
5. Rule 226.00.14‑005 – Bylaws (2014)
Establishes organizational structure, including board composition and roles:
An 11-member board with appointments from the Governor, House Speaker, and Senate President Pro Tem.
Board mix includes insurers, brokers, consumer reps, and health professionals; majority must have expertise in insurance/health policy (static.ark.org, regulations.justia.com).
Officers serve staggered terms, committees use Robert’s Rules of Order, and meetings occur at least quarterly (static.ark.org).
How It All Works Together
The Operating Rules lay out the Marketplace’s operational conduct—from enrollment and outreach to plan management and consumer interaction.
Vendor Policies ensure transparent contracting and effective vendor engagement.
Emergency Rules allow rapid response in extraordinary circumstances.
Bylaws define the leadership structure, governance, and rule-making processes.
Together, these form a comprehensive regulatory backbone ensuring the Marketplace operates effectively, transparently, and in compliance with state law.
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