The bill amends Arkansas law regarding coverage for mammograms and breast ultrasounds by introducing a new definition for "supplemental breast examination." This term refers to medically necessary examinations that follow National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines, aimed at screening for breast cancer in individuals without visible abnormalities but who may have increased risk factors, such as personal or family medical history or dense breast tissue. The bill specifies that supplemental breast examinations can include various methods, such as contrast-enhanced mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging, breast ultrasound, and molecular breast imaging.

Additionally, the bill modifies the cost-sharing requirements for diagnostic breast examinations. It mandates that healthcare insurers must ensure that the cost-sharing for diagnostic breast examinations, including supplemental breast examinations, is no less favorable than that for screening examinations for breast cancer. This change aims to eliminate any cost-sharing requirements for these essential examinations, thereby improving access to necessary breast cancer screenings and diagnostics for individuals at risk.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB123 Original - 1-27-2025 04:23 PM: 23-79-140(a), 23-79-140(e)
Old version SB123 V2 - 2-17-2025 11:19 AM: 23-79-140(a), 23-79-140(e)
SB 123: 23-79-140(a), 23-79-140(e)
Act 553: 23-79-140(a), 23-79-140(e)