AR SR8

Authorizes Senator Rice or Senator Irvin to introduce legislation establishing coverage for diagnosis and treatment of morbid obesity under the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Program.

Requires all state and public school employee health benefit plans offered on or after January 1, 2023, to cover morbid obesity treatment, including bariatric surgeries (gastric bypass, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch).

Defines morbid obesity as weight at least two times ideal weight or a body mass index of 35 kg/m² with comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.) or greater than 40 kg/m².

Prioritizes coverage for participants with diagnoses that bariatric surgery is medically proven to reduce healthcare costs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and others; allows Director of Employee Benefits Division to add or remove diagnoses in consultation with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Declares an emergency clause making the act effective upon Governor approval, with the State Board of Finance authorized to suspend plan options or establish annual expenditure limits if needed to maintain program financial soundness.