The 2025 legislative session in Arizona ended on May 23. Important employee benefits updates signed into law in May are detailed below.
On May 2, 2025, Gov. Hobbs signed SB 1626: Health Insurance; Surprise Billing; Disputes. The legislation amends an existing requirement that health insurers include a notice outlining an enrollee’s rights to dispute out-of-network bills. Providers or billing offices must also provide this notice upon request from an enrollee. The bill clarifies that this notice provided with each EOB or other similar claim adjudication notice applies only to claims that are not subject to the Independent Dispute Resolution process under the federal No Surprises Act.
On May 7, 2025, Gov. Hobbs signed SB 1590: Mental Health; Autism; Insurance Coverage. The legislation amends the definition of “autism spectrum disorder” to be a pervasive, developmental disorder that meets the criteria for autism spectrum disorder as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association. The bill reiterates that coverage required under Arizona law does not prevent imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing.
In Arizona, most bills become effective 91 days after the legislature adjourns unless otherwise specified in the mandate. Employers with plans governed by state laws should be aware of these mandates and can contact their carrier for further details.