Arkansas Health Insurance Market Transparency and Consumer Choice Act
The Arkansas Health Insurance Market Transparency and Consumer Choice Act ensures clear, comparable baseline coverage—without imposing new costs or limiting choice. By establishing standardized reference tiers across all providers, it empowers consumers to make informed decisions, promotes fair competition, and strengthens trust in the health insurance system. Protecting our freedom to choose quality healthcare requires transparency and responsibility—so no one is left confused or overpaying. This is a commonsense way to put families first while preserving market innovation and making the system work for all Arkansans.
Draft legislation supported by Joshua Irby, candidate for State Senate District 16. Not yet introduced.
Every proposal I introduce answers one central question:
Will this strengthen or weaken the long-term health and integrity of the State of Arkansas — and of the Republic?
Here’s where this legislation stands:
Does this legislation serve a clear and necessary purpose?
Yes. This act establishes three baseline standardized health insurance tiers across all providers in Arkansas, ensuring identical core coverage, cost-sharing ranges, and exclusions within each tier. These baseline tiers create clear, comparable reference options for consumers, reducing confusion while preserving market competition and insurer flexibility to offer additional or innovative plans beyond the standardized structure.
Does it align with constitutional principles and the rule of law?
Yes. The act operates fully within Arkansas’ constitutional authority to regulate insurance and respects federal limitations, including ERISA. It applies uniformly to all similarly situated insurers, avoids price controls, and protects lawful contracts. By standardizing only baseline benefit design while preserving broader market freedom, it upholds both the letter and spirit of state and federal law.
Does it respect taxpayer dollars and avoid new burdens?
Yes. This act does not create new taxes, programs, or funding obligations. Administrative costs are limited to oversight already performed by the Insurance Commissioner, and the baseline standardized structure reduces complexity for consumers and providers alike, avoiding unnecessary bureaucratic burdens.
Will it improve civic health and strengthen our social fabric?
Yes. By providing clear, comparable baseline health insurance options, the act empowers Arkansans to make responsible decisions about their healthcare. It promotes fairness, transparency, and trust in the system while preserving the freedom to choose alternative coverage that best fits individual and family needs.
Does it offer long-term value and strengthen the Republic?
Yes. Standardized baseline health insurance tiers create a durable framework for fair market competition and consumer protection. By ensuring transparency and comparability without imposing price controls or limiting innovation, Arkansas safeguards a market structure that serves citizens now and for the long term.
Final Verdict:
This legislation strengthens
the long-term health and integrity
of Arkansas — and the Republic.
Why it matters:
The Arkansas Health Insurance Market Transparency and Consumer Choice Act empowers Arkansans with clarity, fairness, and confidence in their healthcare decisions. By creating standardized baseline coverage tiers while preserving market competition and innovation, it promotes responsible consumer choice, strengthens trust in the insurance system, and ensures a healthier, more secure future for families and small businesses across the state.