2020 Second Extraordinary Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 49
BY SENATOR BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Department of
Insurance, and the Governor's Office to study the decline in the number of children
with health insurance in the state of Louisiana and report their findings back to the
Senate Committee on Health and Welfare.
WHEREAS, since 2018 the number of Louisiana children who lack health insurance
coverage has risen to over 50,000; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana previously lead the nation in health insurance coverage for
children; and
WHEREAS, the data suggests an alarming trend that must be addressed by
data-driven policy to address the substantial decline; and
WHEREAS, access to health insurance for children is essential whether they are
eligible for Medicaid, LaCHIP, military coverage, or private-pay insurance; and
WHEREAS, the state needs to determine why children are losing health insurance
coverage in order to address the reduction in coverage with meaningful policy
recommendations; and
WHEREAS, data indicates that improving health insurance coverage for children
will increase their overall health, making them more prepared to thrive in school and grow
into self-sufficient adults.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Louisiana Legislature does
hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health, the Louisiana Department of
Insurance, and the Governor's Office to study the decline in the number of children with
health insurance.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that agencies creating this study shall also consult
with but not limited to the Louisiana Budget Project, the Louisiana Partnership for Children
and Families, and the Georgetown Center for Children and Families.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana Department of Health shall report
findings from the study called for in this Resolution to the Senate Committee on Health and
Welfare prior to the convening of the 2021 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Louisiana Department of Health shall submit
one print copy and one electronic copy of any report produced pursuant to this Resolution
to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library as required by R.S. 24:772.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, the Commissioner of Insurance, and the
Governor's Office.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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