The bill amends Arkansas Code 23-85-114, 23-86-104, and 23-86-112 to modify the payment of benefits for certain healthcare providers under health benefit plans. Key changes include the introduction of a provision that requires healthcare insurers to pay claims for indemnities related to hospital, nursing, medical, or surgical services directly to the healthcare provider for out-of-network claims. This is a significant shift from previous practices where payments could be made to the insured or their estate. Additionally, the bill clarifies the definitions of "health benefit plan" and "healthcare insurer," ensuring that these terms encompass a range of insurance types while excluding certain plans like those providing only dental or vision benefits.

The bill also includes provisions that allow insurers to pay indemnities to relatives of insured individuals who are minors or otherwise not competent to give valid releases, and it specifies that payments made in good faith under these provisions will discharge the insurer's obligations. Furthermore, the bill outlines that benefits under blanket accident and health insurance policies must be payable to the insured or their designated beneficiaries, with similar provisions for group accident and health insurance policies. Overall, the amendments aim to streamline the claims process and ensure that healthcare providers receive timely payments for their services.