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HR 260

INSURANCE: Requests the Department of Insurance to study the impact on automobile insurance rates when bodily injury claimants submit medical treatment claims for accident-related injuries to out-of-network providers rather than in-network providers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Carlson

Louisiana would form a task force to study how letting bodily injury claimants use out-of-network medical providers might affect auto insurance rates.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 260

Summary of HR 260 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is a House Resolution that urges the Department of Insurance to establish a task force to study how automobile insurance rates might be affected if bodily injury claimants in automobile accidents file medical treatment claims with out-of-network health care providers rather than with in-network providers.
  • The focus is on the potential impact of out-of-network medical billing practices on the cost of automobile insurance in Louisiana.

Key provisions and changes the bill would make

  • Establishment of a task force: The Department of Insurance would form a task force to study the effect on automobile insurance rates under the described scenario.
  • Scope of study:
    • Impact of bodily injury claimants using out-of-network providers for accident-related medical treatments (in the same medical field as in-network options).
    • Impact if healthcare providers refuse to accept insurance for accident-related injuries and instead require cash payments.
  • Task force composition (members may appoint designees):
    • Commissioner of Insurance (chair)
    • Commissioner of Agriculture
    • President of the Louisiana Association for Justice
    • Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association
    • President of the Louisiana Hospital Association
    • President of the Louisiana Medical Society
    • Executive Director of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
    • Other interested persons may provide input; members may be accompanied by designees.
  • Operations and governance:
    • Staff support provided by the Department of Insurance.
    • Open Meetings Law applicable; public records rules apply, with confidentiality protections for personally identifiable information or claims data.
    • Quorum: A majority of the total membership; decisions require a majority vote of those present and voting.
    • Meetings: First meeting targeted by September 15, 2026; names of proposed members due by August 1, 2026.
    • Compensation: Members serve without compensation, but may receive per diem or expense reimbursement as allowed by their own organizations.
  • Timeline and deliverables:
    • The task force must meet as needed and prepare a written report detailing findings and any legislative recommendations.
    • Report due to House and Senate committees on insurance and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library no later than February 15, 2027.
    • The task force terminates upon submission of its report.

Who or what would be affected

  • The primary subject is the automobile insurance market in Louisiana and, more specifically, how claims handling practices (out-of-network vs. in-network medical treatment claims) could influence insurance rates.
  • Stakeholders named for possible input include state regulatory officials, healthcare providers and associations, insurers, and business/industry groups, as well as legal and medical organizations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Type: Non-binding concurrent resolution urging action by the Department of Insurance.
  • Formation timeline:
    • Member nominations due by August 1, 2026.
    • First task-force meeting by September 15, 2026.
  • Reporting deadline:
    • Written findings and recommendations due by February 15, 2027.
  • Termination:
    • Task force terminates after the report is submitted.
  • Legal/regulatory notes:
    • Task force activities would adhere to Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law, with special confidentiality protections for sensitive data.

Practical note

  • HR 260 does not make policy changes or alter statutes by itself; it creates a study mechanism to inform future legislative or regulatory actions based on its findings regarding the interplay between medical billing practices and vehicle insurance costs in Louisiana.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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