House Bill No. 382, introduced by Representative Bayham, mandates that health insurance coverage plans in Louisiana provide benefits for home visiting services for newborns and young children up to age three. The bill outlines that these services, which are evidence-based and delivered by trained professionals, can begin as early as the 28th week of pregnancy and continue up to five years after childbirth. The legislation emphasizes the importance of these services in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly in a state with high maternal and infant mortality rates. It also highlights the positive social impacts of home visiting programs, such as reduced emergency healthcare visits and improved cognitive development in children.

The bill specifies that health coverage plans must include at least one home visit during a newborn's first three months, with the option for follow-up visits, and may limit the total number of visits to five. Coverage may be subject to annual deductibles and a limit of $1,500 per pregnancy. Additionally, the bill allows health insurance issuers to establish criteria for home visiting services and determine reimbursement methods. The provisions of this act will apply to new policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, with existing policies required to conform by January 1, 2028.