The bill enacts two new sections, R.S. 22:1059.4 and 1059.5, which mandate health insurance coverage for pregnancy-related nutrition counseling and postpartum lactation support services in Louisiana. Specifically, it requires that any health coverage plan providing maternity services must include coverage for nutrition counseling by licensed dietitians or nutritionists during the first trimester, without requiring a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Additionally, it prohibits any discriminatory language against these professionals in health coverage policies. The bill also establishes definitions for key terms related to health coverage plans and the qualifications of lactation care providers.

Furthermore, the legislation emphasizes the importance of improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Louisiana, which has high maternal and infant mortality rates. It mandates that postpartum services provided by qualified lactation care providers be covered as preventive benefits under the Affordable Care Act, exempting covered individuals from annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. The provisions of this act will apply to new policies issued on or after January 1, 2026, with existing policies required to conform by their renewal date, but no later than January 1, 2027.