HB1583

House Bill 1583 mandates that healthcare insurance plans in Arkansas provide coverage for medically necessary treatments related to acquired brain injuries, effective January 1, 2026. The bill defines an 'acquired brain injury' broadly to include conditions resulting from traumatic injury, infectious disease, strokes, tumors, toxins, and metabolic disorders. Covered services include, but are not limited to, cognitive rehabilitation, neurofeedback therapy, neurobehavioral therapy, community reintegration services, and post-acute care residential treatment. The bill prohibits lifetime or unreasonable annual limitations on these services and ensures that cost-sharing requirements, such as deductibles and copayments, are not more restrictive than those for other health benefits. Additionally, it requires that only qualified clinical peer reviewers oversee preauthorization and utilization reviews for these services. The Insurance Commissioner is authorized to establish expedited appeal processes for adverse determinations. Furthermore, the bill directs the Department of Human Services to seek a Medicaid waiver to facilitate home and community-based services for this population.