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 establishes a new subchapter in the Arkansas Code that defines key terms, including "health benefit plan," "healthcare insurer," and "mental health professional," and outlines the specifics of what constitutes a mental health wellness examination.

Beginning January 1, 2026, health benefit plans must provide coverage for an annual standalone mental health wellness examination performed by a licensed mental health professional. The coverage must be as extensive as that for medical and surgical benefits and comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Notably, the coverage will not be subject to annual deductibles or other cost-sharing requirements, although exceptions may apply under certain federal tax regulations. The act also empowers the Insurance Commissioner and other relevant state agencies to promulgate necessary rules for implementation.