Little Rock, Arkansas – Starting January 1, 2026, Arkansans seeking weight-loss surgery will find it significantly easier to access care thanks to a new state law requiring insurance coverage for bariatric procedures. Act 628, passed by the state legislature, mandates that all health insurance plans in Arkansas cover bariatric surgery, along with the essential pre-operative and post-operative care that ensures patients succeed in their weight-loss journey.
“It’s a surgery that helps people lose weight to help treat the conditions that are caused by their obesity,” said Dr. Eric Michael Paul, a bariatric surgeon at Baptist Health Medical Center. Dr. Paul explained that the new legislation is designed to remove a long-standing financial barrier for individuals who need surgical intervention to combat obesity and related health issues.
Under Act 628, every insured Arkansan is eligible for coverage, whether they have private insurance or are enrolled in Medicaid. “This law will provide coverage for every insured Arkansan,” Dr. Paul said. “Everyone that has private insurance, and every Arkansan has Medicaid.”
Dr. Jean Salem, a bariatric surgeon at Saline Memorial Hospital, was also part of the advocacy effort to pass Act 628. She highlighted that the law covers not only the surgery itself but also the comprehensive care required before and after the procedure. “This is the backbone of the program,” Dr. Salem said. “It’s not just come and do surgery and just let the patient go and disappear. We are here to support the patient throughout this whole journey.”
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Pre-operative care covered under the new law includes psychological evaluations and dietary counseling, which are crucial to preparing patients for the lifestyle changes required after surgery. Post-operative care ensures ongoing support, helping patients manage recovery, monitor progress, and avoid complications. Both surgeons emphasized that this holistic approach is essential to successful outcomes.
Eligibility for bariatric surgery under Act 628 is based on specific medical criteria. Patients must be at least 18 years old and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. Those with a BMI of 35 are eligible if they have a related health condition, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, hypertension, or cardiopulmonary issues. In addition, a licensed healthcare professional must attest to the patient’s medical need for the surgery to qualify for coverage.
“A lot of times we have patients who are willing to have surgery, and who are committed to have surgery, but unfortunately, some health insurance plans don’t cover it for them,” Dr. Salem said. “I’m very excited and encouraged by this law.”
Dr. Paul added that the law allows for more than just surgical intervention. “We’re going to have psychological support, we’re going to have exercise support, physical therapy, all these different things coming together,” he said. “It’s going to really provide a comprehensive care package for each of these patients.”
While Act 628 significantly expands access to bariatric surgery, it does not cover all weight-loss treatments. Injectable medications such as Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs remain outside the scope of the law. Coverage is limited to surgical procedures and the care associated with them, ensuring that patients receive a medically supervised, long-term treatment plan rather than relying solely on medication.
Healthcare providers and patients alike are optimistic about the impact of the law. Surgeons believe that by removing financial barriers and providing a structured support system, more Arkansans will have the opportunity to improve their health outcomes, manage obesity-related conditions, and achieve sustainable weight loss.
“This law represents a significant step forward for Arkansas,” Dr. Paul said. “It ensures that individuals who truly need surgical intervention for obesity will no longer be denied care due to financial limitations. It’s about giving people a chance to improve their health and their lives.”
As Act 628 goes into effect, hospitals and clinics across Arkansas are preparing to implement the coverage requirements and provide support for patients who qualify. With this law, the state takes a major stride in addressing the growing obesity epidemic and ensuring that life-changing care is accessible to all Arkansans who need it.
