The proposed legislation, titled the "Healthcare Cost-Sharing Collections Act," aims to establish a framework for the collection of cost-sharing amounts owed by enrollees under health benefit plans in Arkansas. It introduces a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code, defining key terms such as "cost sharing," "contracting entity," "enrollee," and "health benefit plan." The Act mandates that healthcare insurers are responsible for paying healthcare providers the full amount due for services rendered, including any cost-sharing amounts, and prohibits them from withholding payments or requiring additional discounts from providers. Furthermore, it allows enrollees to request the collection of cost-sharing amounts throughout the plan year and ensures that any assistance programs are applied to their annual cost-sharing requirements.

Additionally, the Act outlines enforcement mechanisms, stating that violations of its provisions will be considered deceptive acts under the Trade Practices Act, allowing the Insurance Commissioner to impose penalties and remedies. The legislation also empowers the Insurance Commissioner to create necessary rules for the implementation and administration of the Act. Overall, this bill seeks to enhance the clarity and fairness of cost-sharing practices in Arkansas's healthcare system.