Doctors advocate House Bill 1424 to expand bariatric surgery coverage for Arkansans

The House Insurance and Commerce Committee of the Arkansas Legislature convened on March 12, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1424, which aims to expand coverage for bariatric surgery to a broader segment of the Arkansas population. The meeting featured testimony from medical professionals, including Dr. Sam Bledsoe from Arkansas Heart Hospital and Dr. Eric Paul from Baptist Health Medical Center, who emphasized the pressing issue of obesity in the state.

Dr. Bledsoe highlighted the significant health challenges posed by obesity, noting that Arkansas ranks third in the nation for obesity rates, with over 40% of adults affected. He argued that House Bill 1424 builds on the previous Act 109, which mandated bariatric surgery coverage for state employees, by extending similar benefits to potentially 250,000 to 500,000 Arkansans. He asserted that the bill is a measured expansion that could lead to substantial long-term healthcare savings by addressing obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues.

The committee members raised questions regarding the financial implications of the bill, particularly concerning Medicaid coverage and the potential impact on insurance premiums. Dr. Bledsoe clarified that while Medicaid already covers bariatric surgery, many patients do not utilize this option due to low reimbursement rates for hospitals. He emphasized that the bill is designed to target commercial payers, with the expectation that it would lead to cost savings over time.

Committee discussions also touched on the long-term success rates of bariatric surgery, with Dr. Bledsoe noting a recidivism rate of around 30%, significantly lower than the failure rates associated with traditional weight loss methods. The conversation included concerns about the exclusion of injectable treatments for obesity from the bill, which some members argued should be considered alongside surgical options.

Representatives from Arkansas Blue Cross provided insights into the insurance perspective, acknowledging the complexities of mandating coverage while balancing costs. They expressed a commitment to working with lawmakers to refine the bill and ensure it meets the needs of both patients and insurers.

The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the bill, as members recognized the potential benefits of addressing obesity through expanded coverage. The committee plans to continue discussions and gather additional input from stakeholders before moving forward with the legislation.