Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB181

Introduced

1/27/23

Refer

1/30/23

Report Pass

3/31/23

Engrossed

4/3/23

Refer

4/3/23

Report Pass

4/5/23

Refer

4/6/23

Report Pass

4/7/23

Enrolled

4/7/23

Chaptered

4/13/23

Passed

4/13/23

Caption

To Mandate Coverage For Use Of Intravenous Immunoglobulin To Treat Certain Pediatric Disorders Caused By Infections; And To Declare An Emergency.

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts state health laws by expanding insurance mandates to include treatments for PANS and PANDAS. Prior to this bill, Arkansas did not require coverage for off-label use of medications associated with these conditions, creating disparities in care for pediatric patients. By requiring healthcare plans to cover IVIG treatment, SB181 not only formalizes treatment protocols but also aims to improve access for families seeking effective care for affected children. Additionally, it establishes reporting requirements for physicians to enhance clinical data on treatment outcomes.

Summary

Senate Bill 181 aims to mandate health insurance coverage for the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) specifically to treat pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). The bill addresses a growing concern regarding the limited treatment options available for affected children, highlighting the necessity for insurance coverage as a critical step toward tackling these disorders. The coverage requirements are set to begin on January 1, 2024, aligning with the legislative goal of ensuring health benefits that can alleviate symptoms for covered pediatric patients.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB181 appears to be largely supportive, reflecting a bipartisan recognition of the urgent healthcare needs of children impacted by PANS and PANDAS. Advocates for the bill argue that it represents a much-needed avenue for families who struggle to find adequate care options due to financial and administrative barriers within existing health insurance frameworks. However, there may be residual debates about the implications of mandating specific treatment coverage, particularly regarding costs and the extent of authority granted to healthcare providers in treatment decision-making.

Contention

While the majority sentiment appears in favor of SB181, potential points of contention could arise regarding the implementation of mandated coverage and its impact on insurance premiums. Some critics might express concerns about the financial implications for insurance providers and the healthcare system as a whole, particularly in the wake of new treatment protocols. Additionally, there could be discussions surrounding the necessity versus the effectiveness of IVIG for PANS and PANDAS, raising questions about the measures put forth to evaluate treatment efficacy moving forward.

Latest SB181 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB51

An Act For The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB80

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

AR HB1097

To Amend The Revenue Stabilization Law; To Create Funds, To Repeal Funds, And To Make Transfers To And From Funds And Fund Accounts; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1031

An Act For The Office Of The Treasurer Of State - Assistance To Local Law Enforcement And Emergency Medical Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HB1023

An Act To Make An Appropriation For State Turnback For Counties And Municipalities By The Office Of The Treasurer Of State For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025; And For Other Purposes.

Similar Bills

WV SB615

Requiring certain health insurance providers cover treatment for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders

MI SB1030

Insurance: insurers; coverage for certain pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders; require. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406pp.

RI H5256

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI S0024

Accident And Sickness Insurance Policies

RI S2076

Removes the sunset provision of all statutory law requiring coverage for the treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.

RI H8171

RI S0473

Extends coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome by removing the sunset date of December 31, 2025, and mandating such coverage.