The bill enacts a new section, R.S. 46:460.38, which mandates that the Louisiana Department of Health provide Medicaid coverage for FDA-approved weight loss medications deemed medically necessary and prescribed by licensed healthcare providers. The bill outlines that the coverage criteria for these medications will be established by the department and may require prior authorization. Importantly, it prohibits the Louisiana Department of Health or any Medicaid managed care organization from implementing step therapy for these weight loss medications.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for the Louisiana Department of Health to ensure that the implementation of weight loss medication coverage is fiscally sustainable and compliant with federal requirements. The provisions of the bill will take effect once a specific appropriation of funds for its implementation is enacted by the Louisiana Legislature, and it will also become effective upon the governor's signature or after the designated time period for bills to become law without signature.