House passes Westerman co-sponsored bill to protect Americans from illicit fentanyl

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation cosponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman to protect Americans from deadly fentanyl.

H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act will:

• Make the temporary class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl related substances permanent.

• Supply law enforcement with the tools and resources needed to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets.

• Support research on fentanyl-related substances so we can better understand its overall effects on people’s health.

“Illicit fentanyl is pouring through our southern border at unprecedented rates. Fentanyl doesn’t care if you’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent. It’s a lethal substance that is plaguing our communities and killing more Americans than ever before,” Congressman Bruce Westerman said. “That’s why I cosponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act – it will ensure our law enforcement officers have the tools to keep illicit fentanyl off the streets and away from our younger generations. The passage of this bill is an important step in the right direction in protecting our nation from this epidemic that has already claimed far too many lives.”

Medicaid has begun sending renewal packets to those at risk of losing coverage, and the first round of terminations for those who are ineligible or who do not provide requested information will begin in April. This is a notice to parents and caregivers to update their addresses with Medicaid and to respond to renewal packets if they get them in the mail.

We would particularly like to ensure that children going through treatment or who have chronic conditions get these messages. You can find social media graphics, sample emails and texts, flyers and more on our website at ar. gov/renew

You can also visit https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/medical-services/update-arkansas-2/

More info

The link above offers information and instructions in both English and Spanish. It includes images of what the official letters will look like. If you receive such an envelope, do not ignore it, or you might lose your coverage.

The letters will inform you of your coverage and whether or not you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid. If so, fill out the form and return it to Arkansas Medicaid immediately. The Department of Human Services states it is that simple — fill it out; send it back.

If you have question about your renewal or need assistance, either call them at 855-372-1084, submit a question at ar.gov/accessanywhere/ or call or visit your local county office.

It’s important that they have your current mailing address, phone number and email address. If you have not recently updated your contact info, once again, visit your local office, go online at access.arkansas.gov/ or call 1-844-872-2660.

There is also information and a link on the page if you have lost your health care coverage or want to know more about renewing.