Healthcare (Medicaid)

passed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SR 175: HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to study increased patient access to medically necessary breast pumps by increasing Medicaid reimbursement and coverage rates for breast pumps.

This Senate Resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a study on improving access to breast pumps for Medicaid recipients. The proposed study would examine the impact of raising the state's Medicaid reimbursement rate for breast pumps from $80 to $140. Key areas of investigation include current usage rates, how other states handle reimbursement, supplier participation, and the potential health and financial effects of better access. The department is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by February 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to increase Medicaid reimbursement for breast pumps, directly improving patient access to medically necessary health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 12, 2026

HB 1236: INSURANCE: Provides relative to pharmacy benefit managers reimbursements (EN +$2,265,844 SG EX See Note)

HB 1236 amends Louisiana laws governing pharmacy benefit manager reimbursements to establish a new payment formula based on claims data. This formula requires that reimbursement adjustments aim for a claim payment error rate of no more than two percent per drug. The bill also mandates that professional dispensing fees paid to pharmacists must be at least equal to the fee currently set by the Louisiana Department of Health for Medicaid. These changes directly affect pharmacy benefit managers and the state's Medicaid program by updating how they are compensated for dispensing medications.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a new payment formula to reduce claim payment errors and mandates minimum professional dispensing fees for pharmacists, protecting patient access and pharmacy services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Prescription Drugs

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1231: MEDICAID MANAGED CARE: Provides relative to Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitoring devices for individuals with certain conditions (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill amends Louisiana law to require the Medicaid program to cover continuous glucose monitors for pregnant women with diabetes who use insulin more than twice daily or have experienced severe low blood sugar. The change specifically includes gestational diabetes, ensuring that eligible expectant mothers receive access to these monitoring devices as part of their treatment plan. By updating the state's Medicaid statutes, the legislation directly affects pregnant enrollees and the healthcare providers who administer their care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitors, expanding access to essential medical devices for pregnant women with diabetes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

passed both · Louisiana · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SCR 61: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health and Louisiana commercial health insurance payors to increase reimbursement rates for behavioral health crisis centers operating under a crisis receiving center license.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Health and commercial health insurers to raise payment rates for behavioral health crisis centers that hold a specific crisis receiving center license. The bill highlights that current Medicaid reimbursement of $549.40 per day is insufficient to cover the actual cost of providing 24-hour care with the required staffing levels, which an independent analysis estimates at $1,163 per day. By urging these payors to adjust rates to reflect true operational costs, the resolution aims to support facilities that offer short-term stabilization services to individuals in mental health crises. This change is intended to help ensure these centers can remain financially viable and continue serving the community, as inadequate funding has currently limited the number of such providers in the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks to increase reimbursement rates for behavioral health crisis centers, ensuring adequate funding for 24-hour care and staffing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Mental Health

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 1185: MEDICAID: Provides for other rural hospital reimbursement payments and directed payments (EG +$6,691,832 GF EX See Note)

HB 1185 amends Louisiana state statutes to establish a funding mechanism for Medicaid reimbursements specifically designated for other rural hospitals. The bill requires the state department to make these payments by September 1, provided the hospitals are current on all assessment obligations and not in arrears. It includes strict provisions to ensure that these new funds are supplemental and cannot be used to offset or reduce any existing federal, state, or local funding streams for rural healthcare facilities. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the implementation of these payments must not result in any reduction of current Medicaid reimbursement rates for these hospitals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates additional funds to Medicaid for rural hospitals, strengthening healthcare access and public service funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes funding for rural hospital Medicaid reimbursements, directly increasing healthcare resources and access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid

Track

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Apr 13, 2026

SCR 27: MEDICAID: Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for breast pumps and related supplies.

This bill asks the Louisiana Department of Health to raise the monthly Medicaid reimbursement rate for breast pumps and related supplies from $80 to at least $140. The change is intended to encourage more providers to participate in the program and ensure that mothers have better access to quality equipment, particularly those who work or face logistical challenges. By aligning the rate with the national average seen in other states, the resolution aims to support breastfeeding and potentially improve maternal and infant health outcomes. The Department of Health is urged to implement this increase through standard administrative processes while remaining compliant with federal Medicaid rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases Medicaid reimbursement for breast pumps, expanding access to essential health equipment and strengthening maternal health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Medicaid

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 971: MEDICAID: Provides relative to Medicaid reimbursement for rural health clinics (EN +$2,655,159 GF EX See Note)

This bill requires the Louisiana Department of Health to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent rural health clinics and provider-based rural health clinics. It mandates that independent clinics receive the same payment rates as provider-based clinics to ensure fair compensation for services provided in rural areas. The Department of Health must prepare necessary state plan amendments or adopt rules to implement this change, with implementation required by October 1, 2026. This policy directly affects rural health clinics in Louisiana that participate in the Medicaid program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill equalizes Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural health clinics, improving fair compensation and access to healthcare services in rural areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Primary Care Telehealth

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 1154: INSURANCE: Prohibits prior authorizations requirements for certain generic medications prescribed by qualified physicians (EN NO IMPACT GF EX See Note)

This bill prohibits health insurance companies and Medicaid managed care organizations from requiring prior authorization for certain generic medications when prescribed by board-certified physicians. The law defines a board-certified physician as a doctor certified by a recognized medical specialty board and a generic medication as a drug chemically equivalent to a brand-name drug approved by the FDA. Under this legislation, insurers must cover these specific generic prescriptions without needing additional approval from the insurance company before dispensing or reimbursing them. The restrictions apply to new insurance policies and contracts starting January 1, 2027, with existing plans required to comply by January 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes prior authorization barriers for generic medications, improving patient access to affordable healthcare and reducing insurance restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid Prescription Drugs

passed both · Louisiana · Senate May 20, 2026

SCR 20: MEDICAID: Memorialize Congress and urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement certain eligibility redeterminations.

This bill asks the U.S. Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to allow states to adopt Medicaid eligibility rules similar to those in Florida. It would let elderly and disabled Medicaid recipients be presumed eligible during annual renewal checks unless their financial or disability status changes significantly. The proposal also permits states to exempt some disabled individuals from yearly renewals entirely, requiring them only to report major life changes. This change aims to reduce administrative work for state agencies and prevent coverage gaps for vulnerable populations.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid eligibility by reducing renewal burdens for elderly and disabled recipients, improving access to healthcare coverage and protecting patient rights.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

Track

signed · Louisiana · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 433: MEDICAID: Provides for Medicaid coverage of certain medications. (1/1/27) (EN +$3,000,000 GF EX See Note)

This bill requires Louisiana Medicaid to cover FDA-approved weight loss medications for eligible adults over eighteen. To qualify, patients must have a BMI of 30 or higher with at least one related health condition like diabetes or hypertension, or a BMI of 35 or higher without additional conditions. Coverage will require prior authorization limited to verifying these eligibility criteria, with initial approval for six months and continued coverage depending on documented clinical improvement. The bill also prohibits step therapy requirements for these medications and mandates that the Department of Health implement the coverage while maintaining fiscal sustainability.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill expands Medicaid coverage for weight loss medications, increasing state budget expenditures and reducing fiscal savings from alternative treatments.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicaid coverage for weight loss medications, increasing healthcare access and funding for eligible patients with obesity-related conditions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid