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AR HB1555
Bill
Status
4/12/2019
Primary Sponsor
Andrew Collins
Click for details
AI Summary
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Arkansas has the third-highest rate of adult smokers in the United States and the third-highest rate of new lung cancer diagnoses, with one-third of all cancer-related deaths tied to tobacco use.
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Tobacco use costs the Arkansas Medicaid Program approximately $795,000,000 annually according to the Arkansas Healthcare Transparency Initiative.
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The Department of Human Services shall ensure the Arkansas Medicaid Program covers FDA-approved tobacco cessation medications including nicotine replacement therapy patches, gum, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhalers, as well as bupropion and varenicline.
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Prior authorization is not required for coverage of any of the listed tobacco cessation medications.
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The bill aims to lower the rate of adult smokers in Arkansas and reduce treatment costs related to tobacco-use illness by expanding Medicaid coverage for cessation medications.
Legislative Description
To Increase Coverage For Medications Approved By The United States Food And Drug Administration For Tobacco Cessation In The Arkansas Medicaid Program.
Last Action
Notification that HB1555 is now Act 959
4/12/2019