This bill amends and reenacts specific provisions of Louisiana's law regarding health coverage plans that utilize step therapy or fail first protocols. It specifically requires that health coverage plans providing prescription benefits must comply with these provisions when issued or renewed in the state. The bill introduces new prohibitions against subjecting prescriptions or orders for ventilators to step therapy or fail first protocols under certain conditions, such as when the ventilator requires significant servicing or when clinical evidence suggests that alternative treatments may be less effective or harmful to the patient.

Additionally, the bill enacts a new section that provides definitions relevant to the health coverage plans, including what constitutes a "health coverage plan" and clarifying terms related to stage-four advanced, metastatic cancer. The amendments aim to enhance patient access to necessary medical equipment and ensure that health coverage plans operate fairly and transparently in their treatment protocols.

Statutes affected:
HB839 Original: 22:1053(A)(1)
HB839 Engrossed: 22:1053(A)(1)
HB839 Enrolled: 22:1053(A)(1)
HB839 Act : 22:1053(A)(1)