Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1332

Introduced
1/30/25  
Refer
1/30/25  
Report Pass
4/8/25  
Refer
4/9/25  
Engrossed
4/10/25  
Refer
4/10/25  

Caption

To Require The Arkansas Medicaid Program To Evaluate Claims For Diagnoses Frequency Of Obesity-related Conditions And Present The Costs.

Impact

The implementation of HB1332 is expected to significantly impact state laws regarding healthcare and insurance coverage. By including GLP-1 agonists in the list of covered medications for weight loss, the bill aims to improve health outcomes by enabling individuals struggling with obesity to access effective treatments. Furthermore, the requirement for health benefit plans to include coverage for these drugs helps address widespread health challenges associated with obesity and weight-related diseases, enhancing the overall wellbeing of the state's residents.

Summary

House Bill 1332 mandates that the Arkansas Medicaid Program cover glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists) when prescribed for weight loss. This legislation recognizes the potential benefits of these medications in managing weight and emphasizes the state's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare options for its residents. The bill not only extends coverage for Medicaid recipients but also requires private health benefit plans to provide similar coverage, thereby ensuring that a broader segment of the population has access to these medications.

Contention

While the bill likely has positive implications for those seeking medical assistance with weight management, there may be points of contention regarding the costs associated with its implementation. Opponents may argue that mandating coverage for specific medications could lead to increased state expenditures and higher health insurance premiums. Additionally, there could be discussions around the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 agonists, as well as debates on whether such medications should be the primary method for managing weight loss, prompting calls for broader lifestyle and health interventions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB278

To Terminate The Arkansas Health And Opportunity For Me Program; And To Transfer All Beneficiaries In The Arkansas Home And Opportunity For Me Program To The Traditional Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR HB1129

To Require The Arkansas Medicaid Program And Insurance Policies To Reimburse For Behavioral Health Services Provided In Certain Settings.

AR HB1126

To Expand The List Of Medications For Conditions Or Treatments That Are Not Counted Towards The Prescription Benefit Cap Within The Arkansas Medicaid Program.

AR SB139

To Require That The Arkansas Medicaid Program Cover Authorized Prescription Digital Therapeutics.

AR SB348

To Amend The Liability Of Third Parties To The Department Of Human Services For Arkansas Medicaid Program Claims.

AR SB468

To Require Personal Care Providers To Submit Appropriate Documentation To The Arkansas Medicaid Program And To Comply With Federal Requirements.

AR SB515

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act.

AR HB1314

To Require The Arkansas Medicaid Program To Classify Doctors Of Optometry As Physicians Which Is The Same As Medicare And Insurance Carriers For Reimbursement.

AR HB1574

To Support Positive Mental Health For Families With Young Children Through The Arkansas Medicaid Program; And To Establish Supplemental Reimbursement Rates For Preventive Services For Children.

AR SB518

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act; And To Update Language And Definitions To Reflect Changes Within The Healthcare System;.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.