HB1321

House Bill 1321 prohibits healthcare insurers from mandating 'step therapy' or 'fail first' protocols for noninvasive ventilators when specific clinical conditions are met. These conditions include situations where the device requires frequent servicing, where clinical evidence suggests alternative treatments would be less effective or cause adverse reactions, or where the device is deemed medically necessary by the FDA. The bill defines the scope of health benefit plans covered, which includes private insurance, Medicaid, and plans for state and public school employees. It also requires the Arkansas Department of Human Services to ensure Medicaid managed care organizations reimburse for these ventilators at no less than 100% of the state Medicaid fee schedule. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Insurance Commissioner, the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, and the State Board of Finance to promulgate rules for the administration of these provisions.