All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
Act 515 - Allow Providers Additional Time to Respond to Adverse Decisions
Arkansas Medicaid·AR·Provider Notice
Effective date
Mar 24, 2026
We identified it
Mar 24, 2026
Summary
Act 515 extends the timeframe that healthcare providers have to respond to adverse coverage decisions from payers. This change applies to appeal response deadlines, giving providers additional time to submit appeals or reconsideration requests before claims are finalized as denials.
Action Required
By March 24, 2026: Billing and appeals team must review internal appeal response procedures and update timelines to align with the extended response period under Act 515. Update denial management workflows, staff training materials, and any internal appeals tracking systems to reflect the new extended deadline. Notify providers of the additional time available to submit appeals. Verify that billing software and appeal portals accommodate the extended timeframe. Failure to recognize the extended deadline may result in premature claim write-offs or missed appeal opportunities.