Bill > HB1321

This bill establishes new regulations concerning step therapy and fail first protocols for noninvasive ventilators in Arkansas. Specifically, the bill prohibits healthcare insurers from requiring patients to try lesser devices or healthcare services before approving a noninvasive ventilator prescribed by a healthcare professional under three key circumstances: when the ventilator requires frequent servicing, when alternative treatments might be less effective or cause adverse reactions, or when the ventilator is deemed medically necessary by the FDA. The bill defines key terms such as "enrollee" (an individual with healthcare coverage), "health benefit plan" (various types of healthcare coverage including state and federal programs), and "healthcare professional" (a licensed medical practitioner). It requires the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to ensure Medicaid managed care organizations reimburse for noninvasive ventilators at 100% of the Arkansas Medicaid Program's fee schedule. Additionally, the bill grants rulemaking authority to the Insurance Commissioner, the Secretary of Human Services, and the State Board of Finance to develop implementation guidelines for different types of healthcare plans, including Medicaid, state employee plans, and other health benefit programs.

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https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1321&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R