Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has signed House Bill 152 into law, legislation originally co-sponsored by Chad Brown (D-District 60), Lawrence Bagley (R-District 7) and Joe Stagni (R-District 92) that provides insurance coverage for services performed by licensed acupuncturists. Enrolled as Act 250, the law stipulates the following:
§1057. Acupuncture; reimbursement A.(1)(a) Any health coverage plan delivered or issued for delivery in this state in the large group market, as defined in R.S. 22:1091(B), shall provide coverage for any acupuncture performed by an individual licensed pursuant to R.S. 37:1356 et seq., when such services are medically necessary and not otherwise excluded from coverage. (b) Terminology in a policy or contract deemed discriminatory against any person or method of practice, including but not limited to the manner of payment or reimbursement under the policy, shall be null and void. (2) The coverage provided pursuant to this Section may be subject to annual deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions as are consistent with those established under the health coverage plan. (3) The coverage provided pursuant to this Section may be limited to twelve visits for acupuncture treatment per policy or contract benefit period.
As law, Act 250 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2021 and applies to all insurance policies, contracts or coverage plans issued on and after that date. Insurers with existing coverage stipulations regarding acupuncture in Louisiana must convert their coverage to conform to the provisions of the act by Jan. 1, 2022 at the latest.
The Acupuncture Association of Louisiana played a key role in ensuring the legislation's passage – the latest of several legislative victories it has spearheaded since the association's inception in 2014, including changing the state's practice act. Louisiana acupuncturists are now officially titled “Licensed Acupuncturists” and are able to practice independently, without the previous restriction requiring medical doctor supervision.
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