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HB 1290

TO MANDATE COVERAGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS; AND TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS SUPPORT OF MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS EXAMINATIONS ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Justin Boyd and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 1290 mandates annual mental health wellness exams in Arkansas, ensuring coverage without cost-sharing, to boost mental health service access and awareness.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1290

Summary of House Bill 1290: Arkansas Support of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act

Purpose of the Bill

House Bill 1290 aims to mandate coverage for mental health wellness examinations in Arkansas. The legislation is designed to promote mental health awareness and encourage the utilization of mental health services among Arkansans. It establishes the Arkansas Support of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act.

Key Provisions

  • Coverage Mandate: The bill requires health benefit plans to provide coverage for annual standalone mental health wellness examinations performed by licensed mental health professionals.
  • Scope of Coverage: The coverage must be at least as comprehensive as that provided for preventive services or primary care benefits. It also aligns with the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
  • Cost-Sharing:
    • Coverage is generally exempt from annual deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance.
    • However, cost-sharing may be required for plans governed by the federal Internal Revenue Code if it affects tax-exempt status.
    • Cost-sharing is mandated for health benefit plans issued to state entities.
  • Implementation Timeline: The provisions of the bill would take effect on January 1, 2026.

Definitions

  • Mental Health Wellness Examination: This includes behavioral health screenings, education on health and wellness, referrals to ongoing treatment, and age-appropriate assessments of mental health history.
  • Health Benefit Plan: Defined broadly to include various types of health insurance plans, excluding those that provide only dental or vision benefits.

Fiscal Impact

  • The estimated annual cost for implementing this coverage is projected to be between $400,000 and $750,000 for the Employee Benefits Division (EBD). This represents approximately 0.07% - 0.13% of medical claims.
  • The cost of each standalone mental health wellness examination is estimated at around $180 in calendar year 2026, with expected utilization rates between 20 and 40 exams per 1,000 members.

Legislative Actions

  • The bill was introduced on January 29, 2025, and underwent several amendments and discussions in both the House and Senate.
  • It passed through various legislative stages but ultimately died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

Conclusion

House Bill 1290 sought to enhance mental health care access in Arkansas by mandating coverage for mental health wellness examinations. Although it garnered support and passed through multiple legislative hurdles, it ultimately did not advance to become law. The proposed legislation reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health services and the need for comprehensive coverage in health benefit plans.

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

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