HB1290 would require most health benefit plans offered, issued, renewed, delivered, or extended in Arkansas to cover an annual standalone mental health wellness examination beginning January 1, 2026. The bill creates the “Arkansas Support of Mental Health Wellness Examinations Act” and defines both the plans subject to coverage and the types of professionals who may perform the exam, including physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed counselors, social workers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and others authorized under state law.
The bill defines a mental health wellness examination broadly to include behavioral health screening, education on healthy lifestyle changes, referrals to treatment and supports, age-appropriate screening and observation, and, when appropriate, input from adults involved in the individual’s care. It also directs the Insurance Commissioner, the Department of Human Services, and the State Board of Finance to adopt rules for implementation as applicable to private insurance, Medicaid, ARHOME, and the state/public school employee health plans. Coverage must be at least as extensive as medical and surgical benefits, comply with federal mental health parity law, and generally cannot be subject to deductibles, copays, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing, except where required to preserve tax-exempt status for certain plans.
HB1290 would amend Arkansas insurance law in Title 23 by adding a new subchapter requiring coverage for annual mental health wellness examinations across a broad range of health benefit plans, including private insurance and several publicly funded programs. It would also affect Medicaid, ARHOME, and state employee health coverage through agency rulemaking, while excluding certain limited-benefit policies such as dental-only, vision-only, accident-only, and similar plans. The bill would create a new mandated benefit and likely increase obligations for insurers and public programs to reimburse preventive mental health visits.
The voting history suggests the bill had meaningful support but was not unanimous. It passed the House on third reading by 81-12 and later passed the Senate on third reading by 18-9, indicating majority approval in both chambers but with a notable minority opposed. With no committee transcripts available, the available record points to generally favorable sentiment toward expanding access to mental health services, tempered by concerns reflected in the dissenting votes.
The main points of contention likely center on the cost and scope of the mandate. Opponents may object to requiring all covered plans to provide an annual standalone mental health exam without cost-sharing, especially for plans that could face higher premiums or administrative burdens. The bill also raises implementation questions for public programs and self-insured or governmental plans, which must conform to federal law and may need exceptions to preserve tax treatment. Supporters appear focused on preventive care, early identification of mental health needs, and broader access to services for Arkansans.