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Bill Summary · HB 1009

Summary of House Bill 1009

Bill Number: HB 1009
Title: To Allow Pregnancy to be a Qualifying Event for Enrollment in Certain Health Benefit Plans
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: November 20, 2024
Effective Date: January 1, 2026 (if passed)

Purpose of the Bill

House Bill 1009 aimed to recognize pregnancy as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), allowing individuals to enroll in health benefit plans outside of the standard enrollment periods. This change was intended to improve access to healthcare for pregnant women and ensure they receive necessary prenatal care.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed several significant amendments to existing laws:

  1. Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women:

    • The Arkansas Medicaid Program would be required to make presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women, allowing them to access prenatal care immediately while their full applications are processed.

  2. Enrollment in Health Plans:

    • Employees or dependents who previously declined enrollment in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program would be eligible to enroll due to pregnancy.
    • Insurers issuing or renewing policies would also be mandated to allow enrollment as a result of pregnancy.

  3. Amendments to Existing Codes:

    • The bill included amendments to Arkansas Code Titles 20, 21, 23, and 86 to incorporate pregnancy as a qualifying event for various health benefit plans.

Fiscal Impact

The fiscal impact statement estimated that the annual cost of implementing this bill would range from $0 to $400,000. The analysis suggested that approximately 50 expectant mothers could become eligible for enrollment annually, with costs primarily associated with prenatal care and delivery expenses. The projected cost for delivery-related expenses was estimated at around $24,000 per pregnancy.

Affected Parties

  • Pregnant Women: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be pregnant women seeking health coverage, allowing them to enroll in health plans mid-year.
  • Health Insurers and Medicaid Programs: Insurers would need to adjust their policies to comply with the new QLE, and Medicaid would need to implement processes for presumptive eligibility.

Legislative Timeline

  • November 20, 2024: Bill filed.
  • January 13, 2025: First reading and referral to the Committee on Insurance & Commerce.
  • January 16, 2025: Amendment No. 1 adopted; bill ordered engrossed.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1009 sought to enhance healthcare access for pregnant women by allowing pregnancy to be recognized as a qualifying event for health insurance enrollment. Despite its potential benefits, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage.

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

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