§ 23-79-1502. Craniofacial anomaly -- Coverage for reconstructive surgery required

AR Code § 23-79-1502 (2018) (N/A)
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(a)

(1) A health benefit plan that is offered, issued, provided, or renewed in this state shall include coverage and benefits for reconstructive surgery and related medical care for a person of any age who is diagnosed as having a craniofacial anomaly if the surgery and treatment are medically necessary to improve a functional impairment that results from the craniofacial anomaly as determined by a nationally approved cleft-craniofacial team, approved by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

(2) A nationally approved cleft-craniofacial team for cleft-craniofacial conditions shall:

(A) Evaluate a person with a craniofacial anomaly; and

(B) Coordinate a treatment plan for each person.

(3) After one (1) denial or any limitation of coverage that is based on the lack of medical necessity to improve a functional impairment, the case shall be referred for an external review under State Insurance Department Rule 76, the Arkansas External Review Regulation, if applicable, or under a similar procedure for external review established by a third-party administrator of a health benefit plan.

(b) Medical care coverage required under this section includes coverage for reconstructive surgery, dental care, vision care, and the use of at least one (1) hearing aid.