Provides relative to insurance coverage for prescription human milk (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)
Impact
HB 651 is expected to impact state laws regarding health insurance regulations by explicitly adding provisions for donor human milk. It requires all new health coverage plans issued on or after January 1, 2023, to include these benefits, thereby altering existing health insurance frameworks. Plans currently in effect will need to adapt and conform to this requirement by their renewal date, not later than January 1, 2024. The bill represents a significant step towards recognizing the medical necessity of donor human milk for infants with specific health challenges.
Summary
House Bill 651 aims to expand health insurance coverage in Louisiana by requiring health coverage plans to provide benefits for pasteurized donor human milk when medically necessary. This bill mandates that coverage is available for both inpatient and outpatient situations upon prescription by an infant's pediatrician or licensed pediatric provider. The intent is to support infants who are unable to receive maternal milk and who may benefit from donor milk as an essential nutritional source.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 651 is supportive, particularly among pediatricians, healthcare professionals, and advocates for infant health. Proponents argue that this legislation is a necessary advancement for healthcare that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable infants. The bill's unopposed voting history, with a final passage in the Senate receiving overwhelming support, reflects a prevailing positive attitude towards the provisions outlined in the bill.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support, there may be concerns regarding the implications for health insurance costs and the operational capabilities of human milk banks. Some critics may express concerns over how these requirements will affect insurance premiums or the logistics of sourcing donor milk, although such points of contention have not significantly surfaced in public discussions. Overall, HB 651 appears to unify healthcare stakeholders around the objective of enhancing infant health outcomes.