Recently, Gov. Huckabee Sanders signed several healthcare bills into law.
Act 490 (previously HB 1102) creates the Universal Newborn Screening Act to ensure newborns are screened for core medical conditions as determined by HHS. Specifically, Act 490 requires a health benefit plan offered, issued or renewed in the state to provide coverage not subject to policy deductibles or copayments for newborn screenings by a healthcare professional for core medical conditions.
Act 494 (previously HB 1129) requires reimbursement for behavioral health services in certain settings. The Act requires a healthcare insurer that offers, issues or renews a health benefit plan in the state to provide coverage for screening for behavioral health conditions and coverage for behavioral health services provided in a hospital outpatient clinic or physician clinic. Such coverage may be provided via telemedicine and shall not be subject to policy deductibles or copayments.
Act 876 (previously SB 181) mandates coverage for the use of intravenous immunoglobulin to treat certain pediatric disorders caused by infections. Generally, Act 876 requires a health benefit plan that is offered, issued or renewed in the state to provide such coverage on or after January 1, 2024, if the pediatric patient's primary care physician, in consultation with other pediatric specialists, determines the treatment is necessary and follows a patient-specific treatment plan.
Employers that sponsor insured plans should be aware of these new laws and may want to contact their carrier for further information.
HB 1102 » HB 1129 » SB 181 »
PPI Benefit Solutions does not provide legal or tax advice. Compliance, regulatory and related content is for general informational purposes and is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. You should consult an attorney or tax professional regarding the application or potential implications of laws, regulations or policies to your specific circumstances.
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