On Mar. 20, ARK LEG passed bill re coverage for acquired brain injury.
ARK LEG passed bill HB 1583 to mandate insurance coverage for acquired brain injury.
The bill would amend ARK INS 23-79 relating to Insurance policies generally.
Bill Provisions
Defined acquired brain injury as injury to brain that may be caused by infectious disease, metabolic disorder, endocrine disorder, low oxygen, brain tumor, toxin, etc.
On and after Jan. 1, 2026, a health benefit plan shall provide coverage to an enrollee for medically necessary treatment related to or as a result of an acquired brain injury.
The coverage is not subject to a lifetime limitation or an unreasonable annual limitation of the number of days or sessions of medically necessary treatment services.
A clinical peer reviewer may preauthorize coverage or conduct utilization review.
Insurance commissioner to create rules to create process to permit expedited appeal of adverse determination by healthcare insurer for medically necessary treatment.
An individual practitioner and treatment facility shall be qualified to provide acute care and post-acute care rehabilitation services to an enrollee with an acquired brain injury.
Legislative History
On Feb. 25, 2025, bill introduced in House; on Mar. 10, 2025, bill passed the House.
On Mar. 10, 2025, bill introduced in Senate; on Mar. 17, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On Mar. 20, 2025, bill was approved by the governor and was assigned Act 348.
Effectiveness
Act effective 91 days after legislature adjourned sine die (May 5), so Aug. 4, 2025.
Regulators
ARK LEG
Entity Types
Ins
Reference
Act 348, Bill HB1583, 3/20/2025; Citation: ARK INS 23-79;
