The bill enacts two new sections, R.S. 22:1059.4 and R.S. 22:1059.5, which mandate health insurance coverage for pregnancy-related nutrition counseling and lactation support services in Louisiana. Specifically, health coverage plans that provide maternity services must include coverage for nutrition counseling by licensed dietitians or nutritionists during the first trimester, without requiring a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Additionally, the bill prohibits any discriminatory language against these professionals in health coverage policies. It also establishes definitions for key terms such as "health coverage plan," "licensed dietitian," and "qualified lactation care provider."

Furthermore, the bill requires that postpartum services provided by qualified lactation care providers be covered as preventive benefits under the Affordable Care Act, exempting covered individuals from annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. The legislation aims to address Louisiana's high maternal and infant mortality rates by promoting better health outcomes through improved access to nutrition and lactation support. The provisions of the bill will apply to new policies issued on or after January 1, 2026, with existing policies required to conform by their renewal date, but no later than January 1, 2027.