Senate unanimously passes bill to require coverage for breast reconstruction after cancer

On March 20, 2025 the Arkansas Senate passed Senate Bill 83, legislation designed to ensure insurance coverage for breast reconstruction and related procedures recommended by a patient's physician after treatment for breast cancer.

Sponsor Senator Bryant framed the bill as restoring continuity with federal law. "What Senate Bill 83 does is it pairs with the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1988 to ensure that all surgeries that are required to get them back whole that are preapproved and recommended by that physician will be covered by our insurance providers," Bryant said on the floor.

Bryant told senators that while insurers sometimes resist covering certain reconstruction options for cost reasons, studies show quality-of-life gains after surgery. "The quality of life index in all these studies say after 2 to 5 years, the cost impacts are negligible ... the quality of life is dramatically improved on certain surgeries," Bryant said.

Senators heard no floor opposition. The bill was adopted on a roll call recorded as 33 yeas and 0 nays and was transmitted to the House.

Senate Bill 83 also adds prior-authorization requirements for breast reconstruction and sets a minimum reimbursement rate; the sponsor said the measure aims to protect patients' ability to choose which reconstruction procedure best suits their medical needs and preferences.

Supporters described the bill as a patient-rights and parity measure; proponents and the sponsor asked for a prompt enrollment to the House.