Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has issued an emergency rule to address the public health threat across the state due to the outbreak of Coronavirus Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Donelon issued Emergency Rule 36 on Wednesday after the statewide public health emergency declared by Gov. John Bel Edwards as the result of the imminent threat posed to Louisiana citizens by COVID-19.
“This emergency rule, authorized by delegation of Governor Edwards’ emergency declaration, is a proactive effort by my staff to provide specific guidance to insurers as these conditions continue to impact the lives and health of citizens of our state,” said Donelon in a release. “This effort will ensure Louisiana policyholders will have seamless access to testing, pharmaceuticals and care throughout Louisiana.”
Under Emergency Rule 36, insurers must:
- Waive cost sharing for COVID-19 testing when ordered in accordance with CDC guidelines and are prohibited from requiring prior authorization for this testing.
- Permit early refills, except for drugs in certain drug classes like opioids, when consistent with doctor/pharmacist approvals
- Prohibit the use of step therapy
- Enhance access to mail order pharmaceuticals
- Continue to ensure network adequacy given the anticipated increase in demand due to COVID-19
The emergency rule can be read in full here.