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 the 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 outlines what constitutes a mental health wellness examination. The act specifies that starting January 1, 2026, health benefit plans must provide coverage for an annual standalone mental health wellness examination performed by a qualified mental health professional, ensuring that this coverage is at least as comprehensive as that for medical and surgical benefits.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the coverage for mental health wellness examinations should not be subject to annual deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing requirements, with certain exceptions for plans governed by the federal Internal Revenue Code. The act also empowers the Insurance Commissioner and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to promulgate necessary rules for implementation, including those applicable to state programs like Medicaid. The effective date for the act is set for January 1, 2026.