DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Simon HB No. 1254
Abstract: Prohibits a health insurance provider from making coverage decisions based on an
insured's life expectancy or terminal condition.
Proposed law prohibits a health care coverage plan from denying coverage for medically
necessary treatment prescribed by a physician and agreed to by a fully informed insured or, if the
insured lacks legal capacity to consent, by a person who has legal authority to consent on the
insured's behalf, based solely on an insured's life expectancy or the fact that the insured is
diagnosed with a terminal condition.
Proposed law prohibits a health benefit paid directly or indirectly with state funds including but
not limited to Medicaid from denying coverage for medically necessary treatment prescribed by a
physician and agreed to by a fully informed individual or, if the individual lacks legal capacity to
consent, by a person who has legal authority to consent on the individual's behalf, based solely on
an individual's life expectancy or the fact that the individual has been diagnosed with a terminal
condition.
Proposed law provides that refusing coverage for medically necessary treatment to be rendered to
an individual based solely on the individual's life expectancy or the fact that the individual is
diagnosed with a terminal condition shall be a violation of proposed law.
Proposed law defines "terminal condition" as any malignancy or chronic end-stage cardiovascular
or cerebral vascular disease that is likely to result in the insured's death.
Proposed law defines "health coverage plan" as any hospital, health or medical insurance policy,
hospital or medical service contract, employee welfare benefit plan, contract or agreement with a
health maintenance organization or a preferred provider organization, health and accident
insurance policy, or any other insurance contract of this type, including a group insurance plan
and the Office of Group Benefits programs.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 22:1054 and R.S. 46:2921)