HB1316

House Bill 1316 mandates that health benefit plans in Arkansas, including Medicaid and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program, provide coverage for lung cancer screenings and associated follow-up services. The bill specifies that these screenings must align with American Cancer Society guidelines. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits insurers from applying annual deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance to these screenings. It also requires the Insurance Commissioner, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, and the State Board of Finance to promulgate necessary implementation rules. The bill is driven by legislative findings regarding the high rates of lung cancer incidence and mortality in Arkansas and the relatively low rate of screening among eligible residents. The mandate is set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation emphasizes the necessity of early detection, noting that screening with low-dose computed tomography can significantly reduce lung cancer deaths.