AR HB1715

Amends Arkansas Code § 23-79-703 to expand the definition of "medical disorders requiring specialized nutrients or formulas" to include six categories: inherited metabolic disorders, disorders requiring modified vitamin or mineral composition, food protein allergies, food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome, eosinophilic disorders, and impaired nutrient absorption disorders.

Updates the effective date for health insurance coverage requirements from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2016, requiring all health plans to cover medical foods and formulas regardless of delivery method (enteral or oral) and regardless of the covered person's age.

Requires coverage of medical foods and formulas if prescribed as medically necessary by a licensed healthcare practitioner, with coverage applying to all conditions meeting the expanded definition rather than only to the four previously specified metabolic disorders.

Permits health plans to subject coverage to standard cost-sharing mechanisms including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other patient cost-sharing amounts.

Authorizes the Department of Health to reimburse providers up to $1,000 per covered person for individuals or families exceeding the $2,400 annual income tax credit and who have been denied coverage or cannot afford insurance for medically necessary foods or formulas.