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HB 1427

RELATING TO AVIAN INFLUENZA.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

House Bill 1427 improves maternal health in Arkansas by expanding Medicaid coverage for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, including mental health support and community services.

Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732).
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1427

Summary of House Bill 1427: Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1427, titled the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, aims to enhance maternal health services in Arkansas. The bill seeks to improve access to prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, as well as address mental health needs for pregnant women through expanded Medicaid coverage.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to Arkansas law regarding maternal health, including:

  1. Depression Screening:

    • Mandates that the Arkansas Medicaid Program reimburse for depression screenings for pregnant women.
    • The Department of Human Services (DHS) is required to apply for necessary federal waivers to implement this provision.

  2. Coverage of Maternity Services:

    • Establishes separate reimbursement for prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services rather than a global payment model.
    • Specifies covered services, including:
      • Office visits
      • Laboratory fees
      • Physician-ordered testing
      • Blood work
      • Remote monitoring
      • Fetal nonstress tests
      • Continuous glucose monitoring for gestational diabetes when medically necessary.

  3. Presumptive Eligibility:

    • Allows for presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women applying for Medicaid, facilitating immediate access to prenatal care while awaiting full application processing.

  4. Blood Pressure Monitoring:

    • Provides coverage for self-measurement blood pressure monitoring services for pregnant and postpartum women, including necessary devices and patient education.

  5. Remote Ultrasound Procedures:

    • Authorizes reimbursement for medically necessary remote ultrasound procedures conducted off-site, ensuring compliance with healthcare standards.

  6. Community Health Workers and Doulas:

    • Expands Medicaid coverage to include services provided by doulas and community health workers for home visitation related to prenatal and postpartum care.

  7. Implementation and Rules:

    • The DHS is tasked with applying for federal waivers and adopting rules necessary for the implementation of these provisions.

Affected Parties

  • Pregnant Women: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be pregnant women in Arkansas, who will gain improved access to essential health services.
  • Healthcare Providers: Providers will see changes in reimbursement structures, which may affect how they deliver and bill for maternity care.
  • Community Health Workers and Doulas: These professionals will be recognized and compensated for their roles in supporting maternal health.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has passed through various legislative stages, including committee reviews and amendments, and has been enrolled as Act 124 as of February 20, 2025.
  • Next Steps: The bill is now awaiting implementation by the DHS, which will involve applying for federal waivers and establishing rules for the new provisions.

Conclusion

House Bill 1427 represents a significant legislative effort to improve maternal health outcomes in Arkansas by expanding Medicaid coverage for various essential services. By addressing both physical and mental health needs, the bill aims to create a more supportive environment for mothers and their babies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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