The bill enacts R.S. 22:1077.6, which mandates that health insurers in Louisiana provide coverage for certain medically necessary dental procedures for patients diagnosed with cancer. Specifically, the coverage includes evaluation, imaging, clinical examinations, and dental extractions that are essential to reduce the risk of infection or treat tooth loss or decay as part of a pre-cancer treatment screening. This coverage is applicable when these dental services are performed as part of a medical clearance protocol for patients scheduled to undergo cancer treatment.

However, the bill clarifies that insurers are not required to cover routine preventive dental care, such as cleanings and sealants. Additionally, the provisions of this section do not apply to plans that offer excepted benefits, limited benefit health insurance plans, or short-term policies with terms of less than twelve months. The new requirements will take effect for any new policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, with existing policies required to conform by their renewal date, but no later than January 1, 2028.