HB1859

House Bill 1859 amends Arkansas law regarding insurance coverage for mastectomies. It updates the reference date for the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 from 2003 to 2025 to reflect current federal standards. The bill expands required coverage for mastectomy-related procedures to include artificial or biological mesh used to support tissue and nerve grafts intended to preserve or restore nerve function. It further mandates that health insurers reimburse providers for these specific supplies at a rate of no less than 100% of the provider's acquisition cost. The bill establishes that these services must be covered when performed at licensed facilities, including hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. Additionally, it prohibits insurers from penalizing providers or denying eligibility to avoid these coverage requirements. Finally, the act includes a sunset provision, expiring on June 30, 2031, unless extended by the General Assembly, and specifies that these requirements do not apply to state and public school employee health benefit plans.