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 490 Original 2018 Regular Session Gregory Miller
Abstract: Adds definitions of "health insurance" and "healthcare coverage" and provides for
allowable costs of health insurance premiums and medical support for minor children.
Present law provides definitions within the context of family and child support programs.
Proposed law adds definitions of "health insurance" and "healthcare coverage".
Present law defines reasonable cost for the health insurance premium for a minor child as it relates
to the gross income of the parent.
Proposed law expands upon present law that the reasonable cost applies to adding a child to an
existing policy, the cost of acquiring a separate policy, or the difference between a single and a
family policy.
Present law requires a parent responsible for providing medical support to a minor child to provide
private health insurance as soon as it is available at a reasonable cost.
Proposed law allows a court to order a noncustodial parent to pay cash medical support when a
minor child has no healthcare coverage, is covered by public health insurance, or is covered by
private health insurance but there remains a need for additional funds to cover the child's healthcare
costs.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 46:236.1(9)-(14) and 46:236.1.2(L); Adds R.S. 46:236.1(15) and (16))