PART II-A. SMOKING CESSATION

§1295. Smoking cessation benefits program; medical assistance program; coverage

            A. For the purposes of this Section, the following terms have the following meanings:

            (1) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health.

            (2) "Medical assistance program" means the medical assistance program provided for in Title XIX of the Social Security Act as administered by the Louisiana Department of Health.

            (3) "Smoking cessation benefits" means smoking cessation treatments and services, including individual counseling, group counseling, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, nicotine nasal spray, nicotine inhaler, bupropion, and varenicline.

            B.(1) The smoking cessation benefits provided for in R.S. 22:1041.1 shall be a covered service in the medical assistance program.

            (2) The smoking cessation benefits coverage required by this Subsection shall not be subject to any copayments, deductibles, or other cost-sharing mechanisms.

            C. The department shall promulgate and enforce such rules, regulations, and minimum standards as needed to carry out the provisions of this Section.

            Acts 2023, No. 281, §2.