BENTON, Ark. (Dec. 31, 2025) – Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a new Arkansas state law will significantly expand access to bariatric surgery by requiring many health insurance plans to cover medically necessary treatment for severe obesity.

Arkansas Act 628 (formerly House Bill 1424) — effective Jan. 1, 2026 — requires health benefit plans offered, issued, renewed, delivered or extended in Arkansas to cover medically necessary treatments for severe obesity, including bariatric surgery, revision procedures, and related preoperative and postoperative care. While the law broadens access to surgical care for eligible patients, it does not require coverage for weight-loss medications.

Historically, bariatric surgery was frequently excluded from insurance coverage, leaving many Arkansans unable to afford a treatment that is widely recognized as effective for managing obesity and obesity-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea. The new law is expected to reduce financial barriers for eligible patients across the state.

“This legislation represents an important step forward in recognizing obesity as a chronic, complex disease that deserves evidence-based treatment,” said Dr. Kristin Patton, medical director for bariatrics at Saline Health System. “Many individuals who were previously denied coverage may now have options available to them.”

Health care providers emphasize that coverage details may vary by insurance plan and that medical criteria still apply. Patients are encouraged to review their specific insurance benefits and consult with their health care provider to determine eligibility.

Residents who believe they may qualify for bariatric surgery under the new law are encouraged to contact their insurance provider, primary care physician or a bariatric specialist for more information.

“Insurance coverage alone doesn’t automatically mean surgery is right for everyone,” Patton said. “But expanding coverage allows patients and their doctors to make informed decisions based on medical need rather than cost alone.”

About Saline Memorial Hospital

Saline Health System, a part of LifePoint Health, is made up of Saline Memorial Hospital, a 177-bed acute care facility, and Saline Clinics, a network of primary care and specialty clinics. The hospital is accredited through The Joint Commission for meeting quality and safety standards, the American College of Cardiology as a Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI, the MBSAQIP as a bariatric surgery center, Optum in the Bariatric Centers of Excellence network, CARF as a rehabilitation center and the AASM as a sleep center. Saline Memorial Hospital is also proud to be recognized as a Leapfrog Grade “A” Hospital for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. For more information about Saline Memorial Hospital, please call 501.776.6000 or visit SalineMemorial.org. For more information about LifePoint Health, visit LifePointHealth.net.