The bill enacts two new sections, R.S. 22:1059.4 and R.S. 22:1059.5, which mandate health insurance coverage for pregnancy-related nutrition counseling and lactation support services in Louisiana. Specifically, health coverage plans that provide 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, the bill prohibits any discriminatory language against these professionals in health coverage policies. The lactation support services section requires coverage for postpartum services provided by qualified lactation care providers, which are recognized as preventive benefits under the Affordable Care Act, exempting them from annual deductibles and copayments.

The bill emphasizes the importance of improving maternal and infant health outcomes in Louisiana, which has high maternal and infant mortality rates. It defines key terms related to health coverage plans and the qualifications of nutrition and lactation professionals. The provisions of the bill 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.