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Committee approves PET‑scan coverage requirement for cancer patients
Summary
House Bill 13‑57 would require Arkansas health plans to cover PET scans for patients with a prior cancer history when the physician recommends the test; the committee passed the bill by voice vote after the sponsor said it will "save lives."
Senator Dave Wallace (District 22) presented House Bill 13‑57, which would require health insurers offering plans in Arkansas to provide coverage for PET scans when recommended by a physician for patients with a prior history of cancer. Wallace said the measure takes decision‑making from administrative reviewers and places it with the treating doctor who is with the patient.
Committee members asked whether other imaging modalities such as MRI should be included; Wallace said the bill focuses on PET scans because they identify cancer activity differently. No members of the public registered opposition, and the committee passed the bill by voice vote.
The bill's supporters said the intent is to reduce delays and denials for patients needing advanced imaging after a cancer diagnosis. The committee recorded the voice vote in favor and moved the bill forward.
