TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COVERAGE OF EXAMINATIONS FOR BREAST CANCER; AND TO CLARIFY THE COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS FOR EXAMINATIONS FOR BREAST CANCER.

HB 1309 requires health insurers in Arkansas to cover screening mammograms and breast ultrasounds without any copayments or deductibles, regardless of whether services are provided on separate dates or multiple times on the same day. It also ensures that diagnostic breast cancer exams (including MRIs) have cost-sharing requirements no worse than those for screening exams. This bill directly affects insured Arkansans seeking breast cancer screenings by eliminating out-of-pocket costs for these specific preventive services. The law amends existing coverage requirements to clarify and strengthen access to early detection services under health benefit plans.