On and after Jan. 1, 2026, a health benefit plan in AR must provide coverage for medically necessary expenses for treatment of conditions caused by severe obesity.
The Arkansas Medicaid Program shall reimburse for such treatments of severe obesity.
Includes bariatric surgery, and surgery related preoperative and post-operative care.
Does not require the Arkansas Medicaid Program to provide coverage for injectable drugs to lower glucose levels or any other drugs prescribed for weight loss.
Legislative History
On Feb. 6, 2025, bill was introduced in House; on Mar. 13, 2025, bill passed House.
On Mar. 13, 2025, bill was introduced in Senate; on Apr. 8, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On Apr. 16, 2025, bill was signed by the governor and HB 1333 was assigned Act 628.
Effectiveness
Act effective 91 days after legislature adjourned sine die (May 5), so Aug. 4, 2025.
Regulators
ARK LEG
Entity Types
CNSM; Ins
Reference
PR, Act 628, Bill, HB1424, 4/16/2025; Citation: ARK INS 23-79;
