HB1309
To Amend The Law Concerning Coverage Of Examinations For Breast Cancer; And To Clarify The Cost-sharing Requirements For Examinations For Breast Cancer.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to Arkansas law concerning coverage for breast cancer examinations. It aims to clarify cost-sharing requirements for various breast cancer screening and diagnostic procedures under health benefit plans. Specifically, it seeks to eliminate copayments and deductibles for screening mammograms, regardless of service date or the number of services provided. Additionally, breast ultrasounds would also be exempt from deductibles and copayments. The bill further mandates that cost-sharing requirements for diagnostic breast cancer examinations, including MRIs, must be no less favorable than those for screening examinations. It also reiterates the existing provision that healthcare insurers shall not pay for mammographies performed in unaccredited facilities. The overall intent is to ensure broader and more affordable access to breast cancer diagnostic services.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals in Arkansas seeking breast cancer examinations, particularly women. By eliminating copayments and deductibles for screening mammograms and breast ultrasounds, and by ensuring diagnostic examinations have comparable cost-sharing to screening ones, the bill aims to reduce financial barriers to accessing these important healthcare services. This could lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, potentially improving health outcomes for affected individuals. Healthcare providers offering these services might also benefit from increased patient utilization.
Who Might Suffer?
The primary entities that could be negatively impacted by this bill are healthcare insurers and potentially employers offering health benefit plans in Arkansas. The bill mandates the elimination of cost-sharing for certain breast cancer examinations, which could increase the financial burden on insurers. This may lead to adjustments in premiums or other plan benefits to offset the increased costs. While not directly addressed, healthcare facilities that are not accredited might also be negatively impacted due to the existing prohibition on insurer payments for mammographies performed in such locations.