The proposed bill aims to mandate coverage for medically necessary treatments related to acquired brain injuries in Arkansas. It introduces a new subchapter, "Coverage for Acquired Brain Injury," under Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 79, which defines "acquired brain injury" and outlines various treatment types that must be covered by health benefit plans starting January 1, 2026. These treatments include cognitive rehabilitation therapy, community reintegration services, neurofeedback therapy, and post-acute care residential treatment, among others. The bill ensures that coverage for these services is not subject to lifetime or unreasonable annual limitations and mandates that any limitations on rehabilitation services be clearly stated by healthcare insurers.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that only a clinical peer reviewer may preauthorize coverage for medically necessary treatments and establishes a process for expedited appeals of adverse determinations made by healthcare insurers. The Insurance Commissioner is tasked with creating rules for the implementation of this subchapter, and the Department of Human Services is directed to seek waivers to provide necessary home and community-based services for beneficiaries under the Arkansas Medicaid Program. Overall, the bill aims to enhance access to essential rehabilitation services for individuals suffering from acquired brain injuries.