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, which allowed insurers to pay benefits to the insured or their estate. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "health benefit plan" and "healthcare insurer," ensuring that these terms encompass a range of insurance products while excluding certain types of plans, such as those providing only dental or vision benefits.

Additionally, the bill retains provisions that allow insurers to pay indemnities to relatives of insured individuals who are minors or otherwise unable to provide a valid release. It also specifies that insurers may pay benefits directly to hospitals or service providers at their discretion, provided that the insured does not request otherwise in writing. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the payment process for healthcare services and enhance the financial interactions between insurers and healthcare providers.