TO MODIFY PAYMENT OF BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS UNDER A HEALTH BENEFIT PLAN.

HB 1298 requires healthcare insurers to pay out-of-network claims directly to the healthcare provider who delivered hospital, nursing, medical, or surgical services, rather than to the patient. This applies to health benefit plans (including Medicaid and private insurance) but excludes dental-only, workers' compensation, or specific limited-benefit plans. The bill updates definitions to clarify that "healthcare insurer" includes entities like insurance companies and Arkansas Medicaid, while "health benefit plan" covers most medical coverage. It aims to streamline payments for providers treating patients outside their network. The law, now Act 307, took effect after passing both chambers and being signed by the Governor.