A new Arkansas law, going into effect on January 1, is expected to make weight loss surgery more accessible for people with private health insurance. 

Arkansas Act 628 is a significant 2025 law requiring private health insurance plans in Arkansas to cover bariatric surgery and comprehensive pre/post-operative care for severe obesity. The goal is to improve health outcomes for many Arkansans by making weight loss surgery more accessible, according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. 

 The law defines severe obesity as a BMI of greater than 40, or greater than 35 with related conditions, and mandates coverage with specific preparation, but excludes weight loss drugs.  

Key Provisions of Act 628: 

• Mandatory Coverage: Private insurers must cover bariatric surgery (like gastric bypass) and related care. 

• Definition of Severe Obesity: BMI ≥ 40 or BMI ≥ 35 with co-morbidities (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea). 

Pre- & Post-Op Care: Full coverage for necessary pre-operative preparation and post-operative support. Coverage limits: 

• The law does not cover weight loss drugs or injectable glucose-lowering medications. 

• The law requires a three-month prep period and surgery at accredited facilities, with the DHS and Insurance Commissioner developing rules. 

Conway Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) and is the region’s first center to offer the DaVinci robotic-assisted bariatric program. 

Conway Regional provides innovative solutions for those seeking weight loss alternatives and those managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. 

Our team offers a range of advanced procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy (or gastric sleeve surgery), a safe, effective option that reduces stomach size, curbs appetite, and supports long-term weight loss. Conway Regional’s unique experience delivers personalized, multidisciplinary care from consultation to post-surgery, ensuring each patient feels fully supported. 

To learn more about bariatric surgery at Conway Regional, visit. 

For more information about Arkansas Act 628, visit.