The Arkansas Insurance Department (AID) issued Bulletin No. 2-2026 dated February 3, 2026, to clarify pharmacy network adequacy data submission requirements under AID Rule 118 (now cited as 23 CAR pt 146, formerly Rule 118). The bulletin does not state an effective date for any new requirement; it instead reiterates the ongoing annual filing obligation and associated procedures for the new year.
Under 23 CAR pt 146, AID says issuers that utilise a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) must submit an annual pharmacy network adequacy filing, due March 1 of each year, or the next business day if March 1 falls on a weekend or state holiday. AID adds that data for the prior calendar year must be reported in the subsequent year, giving the example that data covering January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025 must be submitted no later than March 1, 2026.
AID further states that, while PBMs may assist insurers in compiling the required information, the issuer remains responsible for ensuring submissions are timely and accurate, and that issuers must submit files using AID’s “General Data Submission Process to RHLD” and follow the file specifications and file-naming process described in AID’s “Reporting Data Specifications”, both referenced as being available via AID’s website.
