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Bill

Bill

HB 1316

TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Fred Allen and 4 co-sponsors

Arkansas mandates health insurers cover lung cancer screenings without patient cost-sharing to improve early detection among high-risk populations.

Notification that HB1316 is now Act 390
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Bill Summary · HB 1316

Legislative bill overview

HB 1316, now Act 390 in Arkansas, mandates that health insurance plans cover lung cancer screenings without cost-sharing (copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles) for eligible individuals. The bill aligns state insurance requirements with federal preventive care standards for high-risk populations, particularly current and former smokers.

Why is this important

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and early detection through low-dose CT screening significantly improves survival rates. By removing financial barriers to screening, the law aims to increase detection rates among high-risk populations who might otherwise delay or skip preventive care due to out-of-pocket costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance premium impacts: Insurers may argue that expanded coverage without cost-sharing increases overall healthcare costs, potentially leading to higher premiums for all enrollees
  • Eligibility criteria definition: Disagreement over who qualifies as "high-risk" (age ranges, smoking history thresholds, pack-year requirements) could affect practical implementation and equity of access
  • Cost-benefit analysis: Questions about whether universal no-cost screening for broad populations is more cost-effective than targeted screening for those at highest risk

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

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