The proposed bill mandates that pediatricians screen for Type 1 diabetes during yearly well-child visits starting at the age of three. It highlights the concern that such screenings are not routinely conducted, often leading to late diagnoses only discovered during emergency hospitalizations. The screening process will include hemoglobin A1c testing, blood sugar testing, and additional antibody testing if deemed necessary by the pediatrician or if there is a family history of Type 1 diabetes.

Additionally, the bill requires the Arkansas Medicaid Program to cover these screenings and mandates that health benefit plans provide coverage for Type 1 diabetes screenings conducted by pediatricians starting January 1, 2026. The Department of Human Services is tasked with applying for any necessary federal waivers or amendments to implement these provisions. The bill aims to improve early detection and management of Type 1 diabetes in children, thereby enhancing health outcomes.