HB1014
To Require Coverage Of In Vitro Fertilization Under The State And Public School Life And Health Insurance Program.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to amend existing Arkansas law concerning the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. The primary objective is to mandate that this program provides coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) services. The Director of the Employee Benefits Division is tasked with establishing minimum and maximum coverage levels for IVF after conducting studies and public hearings. The coverage must be provided by medical facilities licensed or certified by the Department of Health that adhere to the guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Certification is contingent on the facility demonstrating a reasonable success rate in both fertilizations and births. The bill also outlines a process for the Employee Benefits Division to promulgate and adopt rules for implementing these requirements, with specific timelines for filing and approval.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
Individuals enrolled in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program who are seeking fertility treatments would be the primary beneficiaries of this bill. This includes state employees, public school employees, and their dependents who may be experiencing infertility and wish to pursue IVF. The inclusion of IVF coverage would make this medical procedure more financially accessible to these individuals, potentially allowing them to start or expand their families.
Who Might Suffer?
The State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program, and by extension the state's treasury and public school systems, could potentially face increased costs due to the mandate for IVF coverage. While the bill doesn't explicitly detail funding mechanisms, the expansion of covered services will likely lead to higher insurance premiums or an increased financial burden on the program. This could necessitate adjustments to budgets for state agencies and public school districts that contribute to the program's funding.