This bill aims to enhance access to health benefits for pregnant women in Arkansas by designating pregnancy as a qualifying event for enrollment in various health benefit plans. It introduces a new section to the Arkansas Medicaid Program that mandates presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women, allowing them to receive prenatal care immediately while their full applications are processed. Additionally, the bill allows for the designation of qualified entities to assist in screening and enrolling pregnant women into the Medicaid program.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to ensure that pregnancy is recognized as a qualifying event for enrollment in the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program, as well as for individual health insurance policies. Insurers are required to allow individuals to enroll in their policies due to pregnancy. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.