HB1332

House Bill 1332 requires the Arkansas Department of Human Services to analyze and report on the prevalence and financial costs associated with obesity-related conditions within the state's Medicaid population. The department must document trends in diagnoses and expenditures and report this data to relevant legislative committees at least 60 days before the start of a regular or fiscal session. Additionally, the bill mandates that health benefit plans offered, issued, or renewed in Arkansas provide policyholders with the option to purchase coverage for FDA-approved anti-obesity medications. Health plans may establish eligibility criteria for these medications, provided they are consistent with state insurance department regulations. This requirement for optional coverage does not apply to government self-insured plans.