WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 909

INSURANCE: Required coverage for behavioral health crisis services (EN INCREASE EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Regina Barrow and 9 co-sponsors

Louisiana health plans must cover mobile crisis response and behavioral health crisis care, remove prior authorization, and coordinate with the state Crisis Hub, effective July 1,

Effective date: 07/01/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 909

Summary of HB 909 (Session 2026) – Louisiana

Title

Insurance: Required coverage for behavioral health crisis services

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a state requirement for health insurance issuers to cover behavioral health crisis services, including mobile crisis response and behavioral health crisis care.
  • Sets eligibility criteria for providers and outlines definitions to ensure standardized access to crisis services.
  • Defines effective date for coverage applicability.

Key provisions and changes

Required coverage

  • Health insurance issuers in Louisiana must include coverage for:
    • Mobile crisis response services
    • Behavioral health crisis care services
  • Coverage may be subject to the issuer’s standard annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions.

Cost-sharing and administrative requirements

  • Prior authorization shall not be required for mobile crisis response and behavioral health crisis care services.
  • Coverage terms must not prevent these crisis services from operating within the state.
  • Issuers may determine their method of reimbursing expenses incurred for these services.
  • When determining coverage, issuers may require documentation from the treating provider, including:
    • Evidence of a behavioral health crisis at the time of service
    • Medical necessity of the intervention
    • A disposition and follow-up plan

Provider eligibility and coordination

  • To be eligible to provide mobile crisis response:
    • Providers must be licensed under R.S. 40:2152 et seq.
    • Providers must coordinate and share information with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) sanctioned Crisis Hub.
  • To be eligible to provide behavioral health crisis care:
    • Providers must be licensed under R.S. 40:2152 et seq. or R.S. 40:2180.11 et seq.
    • Providers must coordinate and share information with the LDH sanctioned Crisis Hub.

Definitions (selected)

  • Behavioral health crisis care: Immediate crisis response in the community for adults during the first phase of a crisis; time-limited and recovery-oriented, typically up to 23 hours per intervention, aiming to resolve the crisis or transition to appropriate follow-up care.
  • Mobile crisis response: Face-to-face, time-limited crisis intervention available 24/7 to relieve and resolve a psychiatric crisis, enabling the individual to remain in the community or be linked to further services.
  • Louisiana Department of Health sanctioned Crisis Hub: Statewide crisis line acting as the primary access point for crisis services, operating 24/7, coordinating with coverage plans and providers to track data and ensure coordination of supports.

Definitions of issuers and crisis hub

  • Health insurance issuer: Any entity offering health insurance coverage in Louisiana, including HMOs, nonfederal government plans, and the Office of Group Benefits.
  • Crisis Hub: A 24/7 statewide line that triages, refers, and dispatches crisis services and collaborates with plans and providers.

Effective date

  • The act becomes effective on July 1, 2027.

Impact and who is affected

Affected entities

  • Health insurance issuers operating in Louisiana (including HMOs and government plans)
  • Licensed crisis service providers (mobile crisis response and behavioral health crisis care)
  • Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and its Crisis Hub coordination activities

Potential impacts

  • Expanded access to crisis services for insured individuals during behavioral health emergencies.
  • Standardized coverage for mobile crisis and crisis care, reducing barriers such as prior authorization.
  • Requirements for provider licensing and LDH data sharing may influence provider enrollment and operating procedures.
  • Possible changes to plan design regarding deductibles, copays, and reimbursement methods to align with crisis service coverage.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Origin and legislative path:
    • Introduced in 2026 Regular Session by Representative Spell (co-sponsor Annie Spell).
    • Referred to the House Insurance Committee, then amended and engrossed.
  • Committee actions:
    • Amendments approved (notably clarifying documentation requirements providers may be asked to submit).
  • Final status:
    • Engrossed version indicates passage through committee and floor considerations, with a requested effective date of July 1, 2027.
  • Legal addition:
    • Adds new R.S. 22:1059.8 to codify mandatory coverage for these services.

Plain-language takeaway

HB 909 would require Louisiana health insurance plans to cover mobile crisis response and behavioral health crisis care, remove the prior authorization barrier for these services, and set provider eligibility standards and coordination with the state Crisis Hub. Coverage may include typical cost-sharing aligned with each issuer’s plan terms. The policy would take effect on July 1, 2027.

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

Sign in to ask a question.