Louisiana House Bill HB312

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/16
• Refer: 3/2/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/23/16
• Engrossed: 3/31/16
• Refer: 4/4/16
• Report Pass: 4/20/16
• Enrolled: 5/4/16
• Chaptered: 5/10/16
• Passed: 5/10/16

Caption

Reconstitutes the Louisiana Mandated Health Benefits Commission and repeals certain provisions relative to mandated health insurance benefits

Impact

The enactment of HB312 will have a significant effect on the regulatory framework governing health insurance in Louisiana. It eliminates the previous requirements for a moratorium on mandated benefits as well as the need for periodic reevaluation. This change allows for a more flexible approach in responding to proposed health legislation while also establishing a clear mechanism for assessing the financial impact of such mandates. By shifting the burden of cost estimates to the created commission, the state will be better positioned to manage the fiscal implications of mandated health benefits effectively.

Summary

House Bill 312 reconstitutes the Louisiana Mandated Health Benefits Commission and repeals certain provisions regarding mandated health insurance benefits. The primary objective of this bill is to streamline the process of reviewing and estimating the costs associated with mandated health benefits for Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) that exceed federally defined Essential Health Benefits (EHBs). By creating the new commission and outlining its responsibilities, the bill aims to ensure that proposed legislation is assessed adequately for financial implications and aligned with existing healthcare laws.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB312 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents, who argue that it provides a structured and accountable way to handle health benefit mandates. Supporters emphasize that this ensures that cost implications are transparent and manageable. Conversely, some stakeholders express concern that removing certain regulatory constraints may lead to unintended consequences in health insurance markets or encourage additional mandates that could further strain the state's budgetary resources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB312 lie primarily in the concerns from various health advocacy groups and legislators regarding the balance of state oversight versus local needs for mandated benefits. Critics argue that by streamlining the commission’s functions and eliminating reevaluation requirements, the bill could limit local governments' ability to adapt and implement health policies that meet specific community health needs. The tension between maintaining sufficient oversight of mandated health benefits while ensuring accessibility to necessary healthcare options reflects a broader debate within the legislature about the role of state governance in healthcare matters.