Senate Bill No. 433, introduced by Senator Boudreaux, mandates Medicaid coverage for FDA-approved weight loss medications that are deemed medically necessary and prescribed by licensed healthcare providers for eligible Medicaid recipients. The Louisiana Department of Health is tasked with establishing the coverage criteria for these medications, which may require prior authorization as determined by the department. Importantly, the bill prohibits the use of step therapy for these weight loss medications, ensuring that patients can access the prescribed treatments without additional barriers.

The implementation of this coverage is contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the legislature and must align with federal requirements to maintain fiscal sustainability. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Amendments made during the legislative process have refined the eligibility criteria and clarified the department's authority to establish coverage parameters, while also removing previous limitations on additional restrictions that could be imposed.