TO REQUIRE A PEDIATRICIAN TO SCREEN FOR TYPE 1 DIABETES AT THE YEARLY WELL-CHILD VISIT; AND TO REQUIRE THAT THE ARKANSAS MEDICAID PROGRAM AND HEALTH BENEFIT PLANS COVER TYPE 1 DIABETES SCREENINGS.

This bill would require pediatricians to screen children aged 3 and older for Type 1 diabetes during annual well-child visits using blood sugar tests and other necessary methods (like antibody testing if family history is present). It would mandate that Arkansas Medicaid and all private health insurance plans cover these screenings, effective January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects pediatricians (who must conduct screenings), children receiving routine care, and health insurers (who must provide coverage). It aims to address delayed diagnosis by making early screening a standard part of pediatric care.