HB1290
To Mandate Coverage For Mental Health Wellness Examinations; And To Establish The Arkansas Support Of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, titled the "Arkansas Support of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act," aims to mandate coverage for mental health wellness examinations under various health benefit plans in Arkansas. The purpose is to encourage more frequent use of these examinations and improve the mental well-being of state residents. The act defines "health benefit plan" broadly to include plans offered by healthcare insurers, as well as state-funded programs like Arkansas Medicaid and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program. It also specifies who qualifies as a "mental health professional" and outlines the components of a "mental health wellness examination." Beginning January 1, 2026, health benefit plans in Arkansas must offer coverage for an annual standalone mental health wellness examination performed by a licensed mental health professional. This coverage is required to be at least as extensive as preventive or primary care benefits and comply with federal mental health parity laws. Generally, these examinations will not be subject to deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, with limited exceptions for certain federal tax-exempt plans and state entity plans.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals residing in Arkansas who are covered by health benefit plans as defined within the legislation. This includes those with private insurance, as well as participants in state-funded programs like the Arkansas Medicaid Program and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program. Mental health professionals licensed in Arkansas would also benefit, as the bill mandates coverage for their services related to mental health wellness examinations, potentially increasing demand for their services. Additionally, the broader population of Arkansas could indirectly benefit from improved mental health outcomes.
Who Might Suffer?
Healthcare insurers offering health benefit plans in Arkansas, including insurance companies, hospital and medical service corporations, and health maintenance organizations, would be directly impacted by the mandate to cover mental health wellness examinations. This could lead to increased costs for these entities, which they may attempt to offset through premium adjustments or other financial strategies. State entities administering programs like Medicaid and the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program would also incur costs associated with implementing and covering these examinations. While exceptions for cost-sharing exist under specific circumstances, the overall financial implications for these entities represent a potential negative impact.