This bill amends and reenacts R.S. 42:802(B)(9) and enacts new sections R.S. 42:851(W), 855, and 855.1 to establish comprehensive weight management services under the Office of Group Benefits in Louisiana. The Office is granted the authority to administer a weight management plan as part of an Internal Revenue Service qualified cafeteria plan, which will be developed and implemented with legislative oversight. The comprehensive weight management plan, set to begin on January 1, 2027, will offer various services including FDA-approved medications, metabolic health therapies, medical evaluations, and follow-up care. Enrollment in this plan will be voluntary and will not affect participation in other health benefit plans.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that enrollees and their dependents will be responsible for paying 100% of the premiums for the weight management plan. It also mandates that by October 1, 2026, the Office of Group Benefits must notify enrollees about options for directly purchasing FDA-approved weight loss medications from manufacturers, with enrollees again responsible for the full cost of these medications. The bill ensures that existing medical necessity standards and utilization management protocols for health benefit plans will remain unchanged.

Statutes affected:
SB250 Engrossed: 42:802(A)(9)
SB250 Reengrossed: 42:802(A)(9)
SB250 Enrolled: 42:802(B)(9)
SB250 Act : 42:802(B)(9)