§ 22:1051 — Benefits for certain services provided by a licensed marriage and family therapist

A. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of a health coverage plan specified in Subsection C of this Section which is issued for delivery, delivered, renewed, or otherwise contracted for in this state on or after January 1, 2009, whenever such plan provides benefits for health-related services that can be lawfully performed by a marriage and family therapist licensed under the provisions of R.S. 37:1101 et seq., the insured or other person entitled to benefits under such health coverage plan shall be entitled to benefits for such services performed by a licensed marriage and family therapist. In order for a policyholder or covered dependent to be eligible for in-network benefits and for a health care provider to be reimbursed directly by a health insurance issuer, such health care provider shall meet a health insurance issuer's contracting and credentialing requirements. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to mean that any health coverage plan is required to include benefits for any additional services.
B. The provisions of this Section shall apply only to those services which a licensed marriage and family therapist is authorized to perform under the provisions of R.S. 37:1101 et seq.
C. As used in this Section, "health coverage plan" means any hospital, health, or medical expense insurance policy, hospital or medical service contract, employee welfare benefit plan, contract, or other agreement with a health maintenance organization or a preferred provider organization, health and accident insurance policy, or any other insurance contract of this type in this state, including a group insurance plan, a self-insurance plan, and the Office of Group Benefits programs.

Legislative History

Acts 2008, No. 305, §1.