The Louisiana Legislature convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss significant amendments to House Bill 622 and House Bill 467, focusing on health insurance coverage for specific medical needs.

House Bill 622, introduced by Representative Hilferty, aims to expand insurance coverage for histotripsy procedures, a non-invasive treatment option. The proposed amendments, which were adopted without objection, allow patients to qualify for coverage based on specific medical conditions and extend this coverage to Medicaid enrollees. Additionally, the bill stipulates that new health policies must comply with these provisions starting January 1, 2026, while existing policies must conform by January 1, 2027. Representative Hilferty emphasized the importance of these amendments, highlighting their potential impact on patient care.

The meeting also addressed House Bill 467, which seeks to require health insurance coverage for amino acid-based elemental formulas, essential for infants with certain medical conditions. Representative Hilferty shared a personal account of a constituent's struggle with the high costs of these formulas, which can reach $56 per can. He noted that while many states already provide coverage for such formulas, Louisiana has yet to implement similar measures. The bill includes amendments to ensure that coverage is only provided when prescribed by a specialist, such as an allergist or gastroenterologist, to prevent misuse.

Both bills reflect the legislature's commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs and ensuring that families have access to necessary medical treatments without facing prohibitive costs. The discussions underscored the importance of legislative action in improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly children.