On Apr. 10, ARK LEG enacted bill to regulate step therapy, ventilators.
ARK LEG enacted bill HB 1321 to add new Arkansas code,ARK INS 23-79-2901 to 2903 which regulates step therapy and fail first protocols re noninvasive ventilators.
Bill Provisions
Incorporates new definitions for enrollee, health benefit plans, services and insurers.
Prohibits step therapy/fail first protocols if ventilator requires frequent or substantial servicing, evidence suggests that treatments will be less effective or cause more harm.
Department of Human Services will require Medicaid to reimburse for a noninvasive ventilator at no less than 100% of fee schedule of ARK Medicaid Program for ventilator.
Legislative History
On Jan. 30, 2025, bill was introduced in House; on Mar. 20, 2025, bill passed House.
On Mar. 20, 2025, bill was introduced in Senate; on Apr. 7, 2025, bill passed Senate.
On Apr. 8, 2025, bill delivered to the governor; on Apr. 10, 2025, bill assigned Act 513.
Effectiveness
Act effective 91 days after legislature adjourned sine die (May 5), so Aug. 4, 2025.
Regulators
ARK LEG
Entity Types
Ins
Reference
Act 513, Bill HB1321, 4/10/2025; Citation: ARK INS 23-79;
