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, particularly those with a higher risk due to 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 and supplemental breast examinations is not less favorable than that for screening examinations for breast cancer. Importantly, the bill stipulates that these examinations shall not impose any cost-sharing requirements on individuals, thereby enhancing access to necessary breast cancer screenings and diagnostics.

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)