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)]
HB 305 Original 2016 Regular Session Norton
Abstract: Provides for expansion of Louisiana's Medicaid program by requiring that state Medicaid
eligibility standards conform to those established by the Affordable Care Act.
Proposed law requires the secretary of the Dept. of Health and Hospitals to take actions on or before
July 1, 2016, as are necessary to cause Louisiana's participation in the expansion of the Medicaid
program provided in the federal Affordable Care Act (Public Laws 111-148 and 111-152, commonly
referred to as the "ACA"). Provides that such actions shall include:
(1)Filing a Medicaid state plan amendment with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services to cause eligibility standards for Medicaid benefits in Louisiana to conform to the
minimum eligibility standards as provided in the ACA.
(2)Promulgating all rules and regulations as are necessary to expand Medicaid eligibility in
accordance with proposed law.
Proposed law declares that the purposes of the state in expanding Medicaid eligibility as provided
in proposed law are as follows:
(1)To maximize the number of Louisianians who are covered by some form of health insurance.
(2)To provide basic healthcare coverage to working people of this state who are not offered
insurance through their employer and do not earn enough money to meet basic family needs
and pay for private health insurance.
(3)To assure health care providers who serve low- to moderate-income persons of some amount
of compensation for the care they provide.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 46:979.11-979.13)