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Bill

HB 1583

TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1583 mandates health insurance coverage for essential treatments of acquired brain injuries in Arkansas, improving access for affected individuals starting January 2026.

Notification that HB1583 is now Act 348
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Bill Summary · HB 1583

Summary of House Bill 1583: Mandate Coverage for Acquired Brain Injury

Bill Number: HB 1583
Status: Now Act 348
Introduced: February 25, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1583 aims to mandate health insurance coverage for individuals suffering from acquired brain injuries (ABIs). The legislation seeks to ensure that necessary medical treatments and therapies related to ABIs are accessible to enrollees under health benefit plans in Arkansas.

Key Provisions

Coverage Requirements

  • Effective Date: Coverage for medically necessary treatments related to acquired brain injuries will be mandated starting January 1, 2026.
  • Treatment Types: Health benefit plans must cover a range of medically necessary treatments, including but not limited to:
    • Cognitive rehabilitation therapy
    • Cognitive communication therapy
    • Community reintegration services
    • Functional rehabilitation therapy
    • Neuropsychological testing
    • Neurofeedback therapy
    • Post-acute care residential treatment

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions for various terms related to acquired brain injuries, including:
- Acquired Brain Injury: An injury occurring after birth due to various causes such as trauma, stroke, or metabolic disorders.
- Medically Necessary: Services consistent with accepted medical practices.
- Enrollee: An individual entitled to healthcare services from a healthcare insurer.

Department of Human Services Role

  • The Department of Human Services is tasked with applying for a waiver or adding ABI patients to existing waiver programs to facilitate access to home and community-based services.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals with Acquired Brain Injuries: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation will be individuals diagnosed with ABIs, who will gain access to essential therapies and treatments.
  • Healthcare Insurers: Insurance companies will be required to adjust their policies to comply with the new coverage mandates.
  • Healthcare Providers: Providers specializing in ABI treatments will see an increase in demand for their services.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 25, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • March 5, 2025: Committee recommended the bill do pass with amendments.
  • March 6, 2025: Amendments adopted; bill engrossed.
  • March 10, 2025: Passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • March 17, 2025: Passed by the Senate and returned to the House.
  • March 20, 2025: Bill signed into law as Act 348.

Conclusion

House Bill 1583 represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access for individuals with acquired brain injuries in Arkansas. By mandating coverage for essential treatments, the legislation aims to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals and support their reintegration into the community.

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

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