§1042.  Coverage for rehabilitative physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology therapy; optional coverage

A.  Each group, family group, blanket, or association health and accident insurance policy including any insurance program, except the Office of Group Benefits programs, covering the state of Louisiana or any of its subdivisions, departments, or agencies or any of the governing boards or authorities of any state university or college or any public elementary or secondary school system, which is delivered or issued for delivery in this state shall include as an option to be exercised by the policyholder, as defined therein, covered benefits for speech and language pathology therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitative services, and occupational therapy.  As an alternative to offering optional coverage, including these benefits as standard benefits in such policies and programs shall be sufficient to comply with the requirements of this Subsection.

B.  These benefits shall be payable when the rehabilitative treatment or services are rendered by a licensed speech pathologist or licensed audiologist in the case of speech or language therapy, or by a licensed physical therapist in the case of physical therapy, or when the rehabilitative treatment or services are rendered by a physician licensed in this state, or when such treatment or services are rendered by a licensed occupational therapist or by a licensed chiropractor.

C.  The effective date for policies, contracts, programs, or plans specified in Subsection A of this Section shall be as provided herein.  The provisions of this Section shall apply to all new policies, contracts, programs, or plans issued on or after January 1, 1991.  Any policies, contracts, or plans in effect on December 31, 1990, shall, on the anniversary date of such coverage, be covered in accordance with this Section; however, all existing policies shall be converted to conform to the provisions of this Section no later than January 1, 1992.

Acts 1990, No. 1071, §1; Acts 1991, No. 761, §1; Acts 1993, No. 703, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1178, §2, eff. June 29, 2001; Acts 2003, No. 129, §1, eff. May 28, 2003; Acts 2008, No. 151, §1; Redesignated from R.S. 22:230.1 by Acts 2008, No. 415, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2008, No. 529, §1, eff. June 30, 2008.