HB1333
To Mandate Coverage For Breastfeeding And Lactation Consultant Services.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill, House Bill 1333, mandates that health benefit plans in Arkansas provide coverage for breastfeeding and lactation consultant services. These services are defined as medically appropriate outpatient or hospital services aimed at aiding milk expression or infant nutrition during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The bill specifies that individuals qualified as breastfeeding and lactation consultants include International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and certified lactation counselors. Crucially, coverage for these services must not be subject to an annual deductible, copayment, or coinsurance limit, nor should it diminish other benefits provided under a health benefit plan. This mandate applies to health benefit plans offered, issued, renewed, delivered, or extended in the state beginning January 1, 2026. The bill also allows for the Insurance Commissioner, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, and the State Board of Finance to develop rules for its implementation and administration, including provisions for the Arkansas Medicaid Program and state/public school employee health plans. The bill aims to ensure access to these specialized services for enrollees within the state.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are pregnant individuals and new mothers in Arkansas who are enrollees in health benefit plans. This includes individuals covered by private insurance, the Arkansas Medicaid Program, ARKids First, and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program, as well as state and public school employees. Lactation consultants and certified lactation counselors who meet the specified criteria will also benefit from a mandated market for their services and reimbursement by health insurers. The bill's intent is to improve infant nutrition and maternal health through increased access to professional breastfeeding support.
Who Might Suffer?
Healthcare insurers offering health benefit plans in Arkansas may be negatively impacted by the mandate to cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services without deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. This could lead to increased costs for these insurers, potentially impacting premiums or the overall financial structure of their plans. While the bill aims to cover services, the definition of "health benefit plan" excludes certain types of insurance, meaning individuals covered by those specific plans will not benefit from this mandate. Additionally, entities providing only dental or vision care benefits are explicitly excluded from the definition of healthcare insurers that must comply with this mandate.