Health Committee Chair Expects Debate In Meetings

House Public Health Chair Rep. Linda Tyler says her committee will deal with several controversial health care decisions at the state level, but she’s prepared for the discussion and large responsibility.

"I do think there will be some debate and there may be some conflict as a result of that," Tyler tells Talk Business.

Tyler, a Democrat from Conway, and House Vice-chair Rep. Jon Woods, R-Springdale, will guide the House committee through a number of federal health care issues impacting the state, such as cost controls, Medicaid reform, electronic records, and increased access to health facilities.

"We know for a fact that with the health care reform act coming in 2014 that there are some issues that will be coming before our committee," she said, noting that 250,000 new Arkansans are expected to join the Medicaid rolls in the coming years and another 250,000 are estimated to be eligible for health insurance for the first time.

Of course, many freshman legislators were elected to office on voter angst regarding the health care overhaul. Several campaigned against the federal bill in their state office runs, but putting the brakes on the federal mandate may be a major challenge.

You can view Tyler’s comments in full in this Arkansas Legislative Report video below.