LA SB42

Requires commercial health insurance plans and Medicaid managed care organizations to cover voluntary inpatient treatment for perinatal psychiatric diagnoses, including overnight stays, medications, infusions, prescriptions, and counseling

Defines "perinatal psychiatric diagnosis" as a psychiatric disorder requiring inpatient treatment during pregnancy through one year postpartum, including one year after a pregnancy loss

Treatment decisions must be made solely by the attending healthcare provider (physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or nurse practitioner) in consultation with the patient, and coverage cannot be denied if consistent with InterQual or Milliman Care Guidelines

Applies to new policies issued on or after January 1, 2026, with existing policies required to conform by their renewal date or no later than January 1, 2027

Implementation is subject to legislative appropriation of funds; Medicaid may still establish medical necessity criteria for payment