HB1316
To Mandate Coverage For Lung Cancer Screenings.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill mandates that health benefit plans offered in Arkansas must cover lung cancer screenings and follow-up services starting January 1, 2026. The coverage must adhere to the guidelines set by the American Cancer Society. This mandate includes ensuring that these screenings are not subject to deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance limits typically applied to other covered benefits. The bill also specifies that this new coverage requirement will not reduce or limit other benefits already provided under a health benefit plan. It defines "health benefit plan" broadly to include various insurance policies and state health programs, with certain exclusions for plans covering only specific benefits. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Insurance Commissioner and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to create rules for implementing these provisions, including for the Arkansas Medicaid Program and the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. The legislative findings highlight the high death rate and incidence of lung cancer in Arkansas compared to the national average, attributing it largely to smoking. It also notes that current screening rates among eligible individuals are low and that access to screening, particularly in rural areas, is a concern.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals in Arkansas who are at high risk for lung cancer, particularly smokers and former smokers. This includes those who are covered by health benefit plans, as the bill mandates that these plans will cover lung cancer screenings and follow-up services without additional out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles or copayments. Healthcare providers offering lung cancer screenings would also benefit from increased demand for these services. Additionally, public health organizations and state agencies involved in cancer prevention and early detection would see a potential increase in the utilization of screening services, which could lead to improved public health outcomes related to lung cancer.
Who Might Suffer?
Healthcare insurers and entities offering health benefit plans in Arkansas would be most directly and negatively impacted if this bill becomes law. They will be required to provide coverage for lung cancer screenings and follow-up services without applying deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance, which could increase their overall payout costs. While the bill aims to encourage screening, the mandate for no-cost coverage may lead to increased expenses for these entities, potentially necessitating adjustments in premium rates or other plan structures to absorb the added financial burden. Entities offering specialized plans that are excluded from the definition of a "health benefit plan" would not be directly impacted by this mandate.