RDCSB426 3264 2286
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)]
SB 426 Reengrossed 2020 Regular Session Barrow
Proposed law prohibits a health coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state
from denying coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing and antiviral drugs
when ordered by a physician for the purpose of making clinical decisions or treating a
patient suspected of having COVID-19.
Proposed law requires any health coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state
to include coverage for COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing and antiviral drugs.
Proposed law prohibits the application of annual deductibles, coinsurance, copayment, or
any other out-of-pocket or cost-sharing expense provisions until December 31, 2022. After
December 31, 2022, these services may be subject to these cost-sharing requirements.
Proposed law defines "COVID-19", "COVID-19 diagnostic test", "COVID-19 antibody
test", "COVID-19 antiviral drug or agent", and "health coverage plan".
Proposed law is not applicable to a plan providing coverage for excepted benefits, limited
benefit health insurance plans, high deductible health plans authorized under federal law, and
short-term policies that have a term of less than twelve months.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 22:1057)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Insurance to the original
bill
1. Requires coverage of antibody tests and antiviral drugs.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Provides that COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing and antiviral drugs
are covered when ordered by a physician for the purpose of making clinical
decisions or treating a patient suspected of having COVID-19.
2. Provides December 31, 2022, is the termination of suspension of annual
deductibles, coinsurance, copayment, or any other out-of-pocket or
cost-sharing expense relative to COVID-19. After December 31, 2022, these
services may be subject to cost-sharing requirements.
3. Provides that high deductible health plans authorized under federal law are
exempt from COVID-19 coverage requirements.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Insurance to the
reengrossed bill:
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1. Modify the definition of "COVID-19 antibody test" by requiring the test to
follow the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test methodology.
2. Make technical changes.
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