This bill enacts R.S. 22:1060.18, which mandates that health insurers in Louisiana provide coverage for proton therapy treatment for cancer patients. Specifically, it prohibits health insurance issuers from denying coverage for proton therapy or proton beam therapy when recommended by the American Society for Radiation Oncology practice guidelines. The bill also allows for the coverage to be subject to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions consistent with the health coverage plan. However, it clarifies that these provisions do not apply to plans providing coverage for excepted benefits, limited health benefit insurance plans, and short-term policies with terms of less than twelve months.

The provisions of this Act will take effect for any new policy, contract, program, or health coverage plan issued on or after January 1, 2026. Existing policies, contracts, or health coverage plans that are in effect prior to this date must be updated to comply with the new requirements by their renewal date, but no later than January 1, 2027.