(a) A healthcare insurer shall not, directly or indirectly: (1) (A) Impose a monetary advantage or penalty under a health benefit plan that would affect a beneficiary's choice among those healthcare providers who participate in the health benefit plan according to the terms offered. (B) "Monetary advantage or penalty" includes: (i) A higher copayment; (ii) A reduction in reimbursement for services; or (iii) Promotion of one healthcare provider over another by these methods; (2) Impose upon a beneficiary
The General Assembly finds that patients should be given the opportunity to see the healthcare provider of their choice. In order to assure the citizens of the State of Arkansas the right to choose the provider of their choice, it is the intent of the General Assembly to provide the opportunity of providers to participate in health benefit plans. Ark. Code § 23-99-202 Acts 1995, No. 505, § 2.