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 190 Original 2021 Regular Session Willard
Abstract: Requires health insurance coverage for maternity services provided by certified nurse
midwives, certified professional midwives, and doulas and further requires that Medicaid
rates paid for health services delivered by midwives be at least equal to the Medicare rates
for those services.
Proposed law requires any health coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state that
provides benefits for maternity services to include coverage for healthcare services provided by a
certified midwife, subject to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions as are
consistent with those established under the health coverage plan.
Proposed law provides that the insured or other person entitled to benefits under the health coverage
plan is entitled to reimbursement for services within the lawful scope of practice of a midwife as
defined in law.
Proposed law prohibits discrimination in the amount of reimbursement allowed for midwifery
services, whether performed by a midwife or physician, in instances where the services performed
are within the lawful scope of practice of both professions.
Proposed law requires any health coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state that
provides benefits for maternity services to include coverage for services provided by a doula before,
during, and after childbirth, subject to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions
as are consistent with those established under the health coverage plan.
Proposed law prohibits preclusion of doula practice through requirements of health coverage plans
to insure their services. Further authorizes a doula to practice in this state while foregoing any
eligible reimbursement via a health coverage plan.
Proposed law prohibits terminology in any health coverage plan policy or contract deemed
discriminatory against midwives, the practice of midwifery, doulas, and doula services. Further
prohibits terminology that inhibits reimbursement for midwifery services at the in-network rate.
Proposed law defines "health coverage plan", "midwife", "doula", "department", "Medicaid", and
"Medicare".
Proposed law requires that in administering the Medicaid program of this state, the La. Department
of Health (LDH) shall ensure that Medicaid reimbursement rates paid for health services delivered by licensed midwives are at least equal to the provider reimbursement rates paid by Medicare for
those services.
Proposed law requires LDH to promulgate all such administrative rules as are necessary to
implement the provisions of proposed law.
Proposed law (R.S. 22:1059 and 1059.1) becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022.
(Adds R.S. 22:1059 and 1059.1 and R.S. 40:1244.1 and 1244.2)