House Bill No. 557 enacts a new provision in the Louisiana Revised Statutes that mandates the Louisiana Department of Health to require all Medicaid health plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2023, to provide coverage for a six-month supply of contraceptive drugs dispensed at one time. This provision stipulates that the insured must have used the same contraceptive drugs for at least six consecutive months before receiving the larger supply. Additionally, the bill allows for onsite dispensing of these drugs at family practice clinics, ensuring that dispensing practices adhere to licensing and clinical guidelines to promote the health of the insured while enhancing access to effective contraceptive options.

The bill defines "contraceptive drugs" as any drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for pregnancy prevention, including various hormonal methods. Importantly, the legislation clarifies that it does not apply to any drugs intended to induce an abortion. This new law aims to improve access to contraceptive methods for Medicaid recipients in Louisiana, thereby supporting reproductive health initiatives within the state.