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 6 Original 2018 First Extraordinary Session McFarland
Abstract: Provides for incentives for Medicaid enrollee access to private insurance through a
premium payment program.
Proposed law establishes the Louisiana health insurance premium payment program, referred to
hereafter as "LaHIPP", to provide Medicaid payment for costs associated with enrollment of
recipients in group health insurance plans and procurement of individual health policies.
Proposed law requires La. Dept. of Health (LDH) to enroll a Medicaid recipient in LaHIPP when a
cost-effective health plan is available to the recipient through his employer, another party's
employer-based health plan, or the private insurance market for individual health policies. Provides
that the LaHIPP enrollment period shall be no less than six months.
Proposed law stipulates that when coverage for a Medicaid recipient's Medicaid-eligible family
member is not possible unless an ineligible family member is enrolled, LDH shall ensure that
Medicaid pays the premiums for the enrollment of other family members when doing so is deemed
cost-effective.
Proposed law provides that each LaHIPP recipient shall be entitled to Medicaid coverage of all of
the following:
(1)The patient responsibility amounts for services covered under his employer-sponsored group
health insurance plan or individual policy to the extent allowed under the Medicaid state
plan.
(2)All services that are not covered by his employer-sponsored group health insurance plan or
individual policy but are provided for under the Medicaid state plan and rendered by
Medicaid providers.
Proposed law requires the secretary of LDH to do all of the following in order to expand and
promote the LaHIPP program:
(1)Ensure that LDH engages in an ongoing effort to expand the LaHIPP provider network in
order to increase access to the program on a statewide basis.
(2)On an ongoing basis, take such actions as are necessary to establish and maintain strategic
partnerships with healthcare providers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and business and civic groups for outreach on and promotion of the LaHIPP
program among employers and Medicaid enrollees.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 46:460.101-460.106)