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HB 1014

WILDLIFE-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

House Bill 1014 sought to mandate IVF coverage under state insurance, aiding couples facing infertility, but it ultimately did not progress in the legislative process.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1014

Summary of House Bill 1014

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 1014
  • Title: To Require Coverage of In Vitro Fertilization Under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
  • Introduced: November 20, 2024
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose of the Bill

House Bill 1014 aimed to mandate coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program in Arkansas. The intent was to expand healthcare options for individuals and couples facing infertility challenges by ensuring that IVF procedures are included as a covered expense.

Key Provisions

  1. Coverage Requirement:

    • The bill proposed that the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program must include IVF as a covered expense.

  2. Establishment of Coverage Limits:

    • The Director of the Employee Benefits Division (EBD) would be responsible for conducting studies and public hearings to establish minimum and maximum coverage limits for IVF services.

  3. Certification of Medical Facilities:

    • Coverage would only be applicable for services performed at medical facilities that are licensed or certified by the Department of Health or another state health department, adhering to guidelines set by recognized medical organizations.
    • Facilities must demonstrate reasonable success rates for fertilizations and births to maintain certification.

  4. Implementation Timeline:

    • The EBD was required to file initial rules for implementing the coverage by January 1, 2026, or as soon as practicable after necessary approvals.

Financial Impact

  • Projected Costs:

    • The estimated cost of providing IVF coverage was projected to be between $5 million and $10 million.
    • The cost per IVF cycle was expected to range from $14,000 to $18,000 by 2026, with an average utilization of 2 to 3 cycles per member.

  • Market Utilization:

    • It was estimated that approximately 0.5% to 0.6% of women of childbearing age would utilize IVF annually, reflecting the potential increase in coverage availability.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals and Couples: The primary beneficiaries would be individuals and couples seeking IVF treatment, particularly those who are currently unable to afford such procedures due to lack of insurance coverage.
  • Medical Facilities: IVF clinics and associated healthcare providers would be impacted as they would need to comply with new certification requirements.

Legislative Actions

  • The bill was introduced on November 20, 2024, and underwent several readings and amendments. However, it ultimately died in the House Committee on May 5, 2025, at Sine Die adjournment, meaning it did not progress to a vote.

Conclusion

House Bill 1014 represented an effort to enhance reproductive healthcare access in Arkansas by mandating IVF coverage under state insurance programs. Despite its potential benefits, the bill did not advance through the legislative process.

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

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