Bill > HB1858

This bill requires pediatricians in Arkansas to screen children for Type 1 diabetes during yearly well-child visits starting at three years old, and mandates that health insurance plans, including Medicaid, cover these screenings. The screenings will include hemoglobin A1c testing, blood sugar testing, and additional antibody testing if the pediatrician determines it necessary or if there is a family history of Type 1 diabetes. The bill acknowledges that pediatricians currently do not regularly screen for Type 1 diabetes, and diagnoses often occur only after emergency hospitalization. The legislation defines "health benefit plan" comprehensively, including various types of health insurance and state health programs, while explicitly excluding certain types of insurance like disability income plans and specific disease-only plans. Health benefit plans must provide coverage for these Type 1 diabetes screenings by January 1, 2026. The Department of Human Services is required to seek any necessary federal waivers or amendments to implement these screening requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1858&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R