AR HB1424

Requires Arkansas Medicaid and private health benefit plans to cover medically necessary treatment for diseases and conditions caused by severe obesity, effective January 1, 2026

Covers bariatric surgery (biliopancreatic bypass, gastric banding, Roux-en-Y, sleeve gastrectomy), revision surgery for complications, and pre/post-operative care including psychological screening, nutritional counseling, and physical therapy

Defines severe obesity as BMI of 40 kg/m² or greater, or BMI of 35 kg/m² with comorbidities such as hypertension, cardiopulmonary conditions, sleep apnea, or diabetes

Limits coverage to patients 18 years or older who have completed required evaluations, weight loss programs, and preoperative education; insurers may require up to 3 months preoperative preparation

Explicitly excludes coverage for injectable glucose-lowering drugs and other weight loss medications; allows insurers to require prior authorization and restrict services to accredited facilities