House Bill No. 971, introduced by Representative Stagni, aims to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates for rural health clinics in Louisiana. The bill enacts a new section, R.S. 40:2197.1, which mandates that the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) take necessary actions to ensure that independent rural health clinics (type one) receive the same Medicaid reimbursement rates as provider-based rural health clinics (type two and three). This initiative is intended to address disparities in funding and support for different types of rural health clinics.

Additionally, the bill requires the LDH to prepare a state plan amendment or adopt rules as needed to implement these provisions, with a deadline set for October 1, 2026, for full implementation. The proposed law emphasizes the importance of equitable healthcare funding in rural areas, ensuring that all clinics can provide essential services to their communities without financial disadvantage.