This bill aims to recognize pregnancy as a qualifying event for enrollment in various health benefit plans, thereby enhancing access to healthcare for pregnant women in Arkansas. 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 application is processed. Additionally, the bill allows designated entities to screen for eligibility and enroll pregnant women into the program without delay.

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 policies issued by insurers. This means that employees or their dependents who previously opted out of these health plans can now enroll due to pregnancy. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.