Arkansas House Bill HB1055

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/26/24
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Engrossed: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/3/25

Caption

To Establish Coverage Diagnosis And Treatment To Slow The Progression Of Alzheimer's Disease Or Other Dementia-related Disease Under The State And Public School Life And Health Insurance Program.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will require that all state and public school employees' health benefit plans offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's and similar conditions effective from January 1, 2026. This inclusion will make the diagnosis and treatment decisions based on a physician's clinical judgment and adherence to evidence-based guidelines without being subjected to additional treatment protocols like step therapy. This change has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by ensuring timely intervention and care for affected individuals.

Summary

House Bill 1055 aims to establish coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related diseases under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program. The bill emphasizes the recognition of Alzheimer's disease as a significant public health issue, being the seventh leading cause of death in Arkansas. The legislative findings indicate that the cost of managing Alzheimer's complications due to delayed diagnosis far outweighs the costs associated with timely and effective treatment. The bill's intent is to ensure that state employees and public school employees have access to necessary medical care in a timely manner.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding coverage scope and the financial implications of implementing this bill for the state and educational institutions. While the intent is to provide comprehensive coverage, stakeholders might express concerns regarding potential increases in health insurance costs or the impact on state budgets. Additionally, ensuring that approved treatments are kept up to date with ongoing FDA developments will be critical to the bill's success and sustainability over time.