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 382 Original 2025 Regular Session Bayham
Abstract: Requires health insurance coverage for home visiting services for newborns and children
up to age three.
Proposed law outlines legislative findings. Describes home visiting services as evidence-based
deliveries of services to families of newborns or families expecting newborns. Provides that such
services are supplied by trained professionals and begin from the 28
th
week of pregnancy up to six
weeks after birth, and continuing up to two to five years old.
Proposed law provides that certain professional societies and federal agencies have recognized the
well-established benefits of support services provided by voluntary home visiting programs. Makes
a connection between home visitation and social impacts, stating that home visits decrease the need
for unnecessary emergency healthcare, public assistance programs, social and mental welfare
programs, and juvenile corrections. Further provides that home visits have positive impacts on
indicators of cognitive development and behavior.
Proposed law provides that the state of La. currently ranks among one of the highest maternal and
infant mortality rates in the U.S., and the state is compelled and obligated to promote practices that
improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
Proposed law requires a health coverage plan (plan) that provides benefits for maternity services to
cover voluntary home visiting services provided through a home visiting program. Requires
coverage to include at least one visit during a newborn's first three months of life, with opportunity
for the family to choose follow-up visits, and at least one follow-up visit no later than three months
after the last visit. Authorizes a plan to limit the total number of visits to a maximum of five visits
from birth to age three.
Proposed law authorizes a plan to apply annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions
consistent with those established under the plan. Further authorizes a plan to provide a coverage
limit of $1,500 per pregnancy or childbirth.
Proposed law prohibits coverage requirements from precluding a home visiting program from
operating in the state of La. Authorizes a home visiting program to practice and forego eligible
reimbursement via a plan. Further authorizes a program to provide services within the state to the
client or population desiring its services if the program aligns with an evidence-based home visiting
model. Proposed law authorizes a health insurance issuer or plan to establish criteria for home visiting
services if the criteria allow at least one provider to be covered by the plan. Further provides that
proposed law does not exclude coverage for evidence-based home visiting programs beginning
earlier during pregnancy or extending services beyond age three.
Proposed law authorizes a health insurance issuer or plan to determine its process for reimbursement
of expenses by use of certain methods or arrangements described in proposed law.
Proposed law defines "evidence-based home visiting program" and "health coverage plan".
Proposed law applies to any new policy, contract, program, or plan issued on and after Jan. 1, 2027.
Requires any policy, contract, or plan in effect prior to Jan. 1, 2027, to convert to conform to
proposed law on or before the renewal date, but no later than Jan. 1, 2028.
(Adds R.S. 22:1059.6)