Senate Bill No. 519, introduced by Senator Owen, aims to enhance health improvement programs for minors by enacting R.S. 22:1017.1. This legislation mandates that health insurance policies provide a deductible credit for certain activity-related expenses incurred on behalf of minors, specifically those aged 16 and younger. The bill emphasizes the importance of increased physical activity in improving long-term health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. It allows eligible expenses, such as youth sports registration fees and memberships for fitness programs, to be credited toward the health insurance deductible, with a maximum limit of $200 per covered dependent per plan year.

The provisions of this bill do not apply to Medicare supplement policies, Medicaid managed care plans, or self-funded plans governed by ERISA. Insurers are permitted to require reasonable documentation to verify eligible expenses and must create a clear process for submission and approval. Additionally, the commissioner of insurance is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations to implement these provisions. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and will apply to new policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, with existing policies required to conform by January 1, 2028.