The bill enacts R.S. 22:1047, which mandates that health insurance issuers in Louisiana provide coverage for medically necessary treatments related to severe obesity. This includes coverage for bariatric surgery, pre-operative psychological screening, nutritional counseling, and post-operative follow-up. The bill specifies that individuals must be at least eighteen years old to qualify for bariatric surgery coverage and may need to complete a pre-operative period involving counseling and education. Additionally, the prescribing physician must confirm the medical necessity of the treatment, and insurance issuers may require prior authorization for covered services.

The legislation defines "severe obesity" based on body mass index (BMI) criteria and outlines the types of health coverage plans that must comply with these requirements. It also clarifies that coverage does not extend to injectable drugs for glucose control or weight loss. The bill will apply to new health coverage plans issued on or after January 1, 2025, with existing plans required to conform by their renewal date, but no later than January 1, 2026.