Panel advances bill to require commercial insurers to cover mobile and crisis behavioral health services

Representative Spell presented HB909 to require commercial payers to cover mobile crisis response for adults and behavioral health crisis services (walk‑in crisis centers). The Appropriations Committee recorded updated fiscal information indicating the Office of Group Benefits expected to absorb modest costs and the Louisiana Department of Insurance viewed the change as likely cost neutral for commercial markets.

Dr. Holly Howitt of the Office of Behavioral Health described two elements of the system: mobile crisis teams dispatched to deescalate and triage individuals where they are, and behavioral health crisis centers as alternatives to emergency department care. Dr. Howitt said the centers and mobile teams have reduced emergency department use in other communities and can be an effective, lower‑cost alternative.

Members asked about operational details, transport and law enforcement discretion; witnesses said officers retain discretion to transport to alternative crisis centers when appropriate. The committee adopted no additional amendments and reported HB909 favorable as amended.