The proposed bill mandates that health benefit plans in Arkansas provide coverage for birthing services delivered in licensed birthing centers, effective January 1, 2026. It introduces a new subchapter, "Coverage for Licensed Birthing Centers," to the Arkansas Code, which defines key terms such as "enrollee," "health benefit plan," "healthcare insurer," and "licensed birthing center." The bill stipulates that coverage for services in licensed birthing centers must be equivalent to that provided for services in hospitals, ensuring that enrollees are not subject to higher deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or out-of-pocket limits for these services.

Additionally, the bill allows the Insurance Commissioner and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services to develop rules for the implementation and administration of this new coverage requirement, particularly as it pertains to the Arkansas Medicaid Program and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program. This legislation aims to enhance access to birthing services in licensed birthing centers, promoting a more equitable healthcare system for expectant mothers in Arkansas.