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 establishes a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 23, Chapter 79, titled "Coverage for Licensed Birthing Centers." The bill defines key terms such as "enrollee," "health benefit plan," "healthcare insurer," and "licensed birthing center," ensuring clarity in the application of the law. Notably, the coverage for services in licensed birthing centers must be equivalent to that provided for services in hospitals, without imposing greater deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or out-of-pocket limits.

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 state programs like Medicaid. This legislative change aims to enhance access to birthing services in licensed birthing centers, promoting a more inclusive healthcare environment for expectant mothers in Arkansas.