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 526 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Hoffmann
Abstract: Adds requirements for medical assistance program coverage of opioid use disorder
medications by prohibiting certain acts.
Proposed law prohibits prior authorization requirements for opioid use disorder by Medicaid and
its managed care organizations for medications of any United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) approved treatment for opioid use disorder.
Proposed law prohibits managed care organizations from restricting the prescribing of any
medication by prescriber type speciality that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid use
disorder.
Proposed law prohibits step therapy requirements prior to authorization of coverage by Medicaid and
its managed care organizations for an FDA approved medication used for the treatment of opioid use
disorder.
Proposed law requires the listing of at least two formulations of buprenorphine/naloxone on the La.
Medicaid Preferred Drug List.
Proposed law prohibits excluding coverage of prescriptions and services by Medicaid and its
managed care organizations that are based upon court order.
(Adds R.S. 46:460.37)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Prohibit managed care organizations from restricting the prescribing of any medication
by prescriber type speciality.
2. Require at least two formulations of buprenorphine/naloxone to be on the La. Medicaid
Preferred Drug List.
3. Amend proposed law by changing the list that formulations of buprenorphine/naloxone
are required to appear on the Louisiana Medicaid fee-for-service preferred drug list and the Healthy Louisiana Common Preferred Drug List to Louisiana Medicaid Common
Preferred Drug List.
4. Amend proposed law by eliminating the requirement that any exclusion for coverage for
any prescription medication be approved by the United States Food and Drug
Administration for any associated counseling or wraparound services on the grounds the
services were court ordered.