TO REQUIRE A PEDIATRICIAN TO SCREEN FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES AT THE YEARLY WELL-CHILD VISIT; AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM AND HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS COVER TYPE 1 DIABETES SCREENINGS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Ladyman

HB 1858 mandates pediatricians to screen children for Type 1 diabetes during annual visits and requires Medicaid and health plans to cover these screenings, improving access.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE- HOUSE

Summary of House Bill 1858

Bill Number: HB 1858
Title: To Require a Pediatrician to Screen for Type 1 Diabetes at the Yearly Well-Child Visit; and to Require that the Arkansas Medicaid Program and Health Benefit Plans Cover Type 1 Diabetes Screenings
Introduced: March 19, 2025
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee - House

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1858 aims to enhance early detection of Type 1 diabetes in children by mandating pediatricians to conduct screenings during annual well-child visits. The bill also seeks to ensure that these screenings are covered by the Arkansas Medicaid Program and various health benefit plans, thereby improving access to necessary healthcare services for children at risk of this condition.

Key Provisions

Mandatory Screening:

Pediatricians are required to screen children for Type 1 diabetes during yearly well-child visits starting at age three.
The screening must include:
- Hemoglobin A1c testing
- Blood sugar testing
- Additional antibody testing if deemed necessary by the pediatrician or if there is a family history of Type 1 diabetes.

Coverage Requirements:

The Arkansas Medicaid Program must cover the costs associated with Type 1 diabetes screenings as specified in the bill.
Health benefit plans in Arkansas are mandated to provide coverage for these screenings starting January 1, 2026.

Definitions and Exclusions:

The bill defines "health benefit plan" broadly to include various types of healthcare coverage but excludes certain plans such as disability income plans, accident-only plans, and long-term care plans.

Implementation:

The Department of Human Services is tasked with applying for any necessary federal waivers or amendments to implement the coverage requirements effectively.

Impact

Affected Population: The bill primarily impacts children aged three and older who visit pediatricians for well-child check-ups. It also affects healthcare providers, insurers, and the Arkansas Medicaid Program.

Healthcare Access: By mandating screenings and ensuring coverage, the bill aims to facilitate early diagnosis and management of Type 1 diabetes, potentially reducing emergency hospitalizations and long-term health complications associated with delayed diagnosis.

Procedural Timeline

March 19, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time; rules suspended for a second reading and referral to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor.

April 9, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author and recommended for study in the Interim by the committee.

This summary provides an overview of HB 1858, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and the anticipated impact on children's health care in Arkansas.