Arkansas House Bill HB1296

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/29/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Engrossed: 3/31/25
• Refer: 3/31/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Enrolled: 4/9/25
• Chaptered: 4/14/25
• Passed: 4/14/25

Caption

To Mandate Coverage For Healthcare Services Provided In Mobile Units.

Impact

If enacted, HB1296 is expected to expand access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas where traditional healthcare facilities may not be readily available. By mandating insurance coverage for mobile healthcare services, the bill seeks to encourage the proliferation of mobile health units, which can deliver essential medical care, preventive services, and screenings in diverse communities throughout Arkansas. Consequently, this could lead to improved health outcomes for populations that have limited access to fixed healthcare facilities.

Summary

House Bill 1296 aims to mandate coverage for healthcare services provided in mobile units. The bill amends existing Arkansas laws to ensure that healthcare insurers include services rendered in mobile units as part of their health benefit plans. It explicitly requires that coverage for services provided in these units must be equivalent to the coverage that would be afforded if those services were provided in a permanent healthcare setting.

Contention

The discussions around HB1296 highlight certain points of contention, particularly regarding the financial implications for healthcare insurers and the logistics involved in delivering care through mobile units. Proponents argue that the bill will enable better health access and service delivery models that adapt to patient needs. However, opponents raise concerns about the cost implications for insurers and potentially higher premiums for consumers. Additionally, doubts have been expressed regarding the operational capacity of mobile units to provide the same level of care as stationary facilities, which raises questions about quality assurance and service consistency.