The proposed legislation, titled the "Arkansas Support of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act," mandates coverage for mental health wellness examinations under health benefit plans in Arkansas. The act aims to promote greater utilization of these examinations to enhance the mental health of Arkansans. It defines key terms such as "health benefit plan," "healthcare insurer," and "mental health professional," and specifies what constitutes a mental health wellness examination. The act requires that, starting January 1, 2026, health benefit plans must provide coverage for an annual standalone mental health wellness examination performed by a licensed mental health professional, ensuring that this coverage is at least as extensive as that for medical and surgical benefits.

Additionally, the act stipulates that coverage for mental health wellness examinations should not be subject to annual deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance limits, although exceptions may apply for plans governed by the federal Internal Revenue Code. The legislation also empowers the Insurance Commissioner and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to promulgate necessary rules for implementation, including those applicable to Medicaid and other state health programs. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.