Bill > HB1316

This bill mandates lung cancer screening coverage for health benefit plans in Arkansas, starting January 1, 2026, in response to the state's high lung cancer rates. The bill begins with extensive legislative findings highlighting that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Arkansas, with nearly 2,000 residents dying annually and a higher death rate compared to the national average. The legislation requires health insurers to provide lung cancer screenings for eligible individuals (primarily smokers and former smokers aged 50-80 who have smoked at least 20 pack-years) according to American Cancer Society guidelines, without imposing annual deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance. The bill defines key terms like "covered person" and "health benefit plan", and specifies that the coverage must include screenings using low-dose computed tomography scans. Additionally, the legislation calls for increasing lung cancer screening awareness, accessibility in rural areas, research funding, and patient advocacy. The bill also requires the Insurance Commissioner, Department of Human Services Secretary, and State Board of Finance to develop rules for implementing these screening coverage requirements across various health insurance programs, including Medicaid and state employee health plans.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1316&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R