Beginning January 1, 2026, several state and federal health laws will take effect, which will bring numerous policy changes related to coverage requirements, preventive health services, and healthcare financing and delivery systems.
Health-related legislation was a major focus of the Arkansas General Assembly’s 2025 regular legislative session, and the state will implement many health-related laws in the new year. These actions from lawmakers are intended to address maternal health care, expand access to preventive health services, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and change how some services are covered and delivered under state-regulated health insurance plans.
Arkansas Health Policy Changes
Act 866 requires health plans, as well as Medicaid and the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME) program, to cover deliveries that occur at a licensed birthing center the same as hospital-based deliveries. Arkansas currently does not have a licensed birthing center, but the law establishes coverage requirements if any are licensed in the state in the future. The law is intended to expand delivery options and support alternative models of maternity care.
Act 627 requires health plans — as well as Medicaid, ARKids First, and ARHOME — to cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services provided in outpatient settings. This coverage is not subject to annual deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance…