The proposed bill, titled the "Arkansas Support of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act," mandates coverage for mental health wellness examinations under health benefit plans in Arkansas. It establishes a new subchapter in the Arkansas Code that outlines the purpose of promoting greater utilization of mental health wellness examinations to enhance the mental health of Arkansans. The bill defines key terms, including "health benefit plan," "healthcare insurer," and "mental health professional," and specifies 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 at least as extensive as that for medical and surgical benefits and comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. Notably, the bill stipulates that this coverage should not be subject to annual deductibles, copayments, or other cost-sharing requirements, although exceptions may apply under certain federal tax regulations. The Insurance Commissioner and other relevant state departments are tasked with promulgating rules to implement the provisions of this act.