Pilot program; requirements, contents

A. Every employer under the pilot program shall secure the payment of compensation by obtaining a twenty-four-hour health insurance policy which shall provide medical benefits authorized by R.S. 22:2221 through 2222 and which shall meet criteria established conjunctively by Louisiana Works and the Department of Insurance by rule or regulation, promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act. B. The twenty-four-hour health insurance policy herein may provide for health care by a health maintenance organization established by R.S. 22:241 et seq. or a preferred provider organization established pursuant to R.S. 40:2201 et seq. C. (1) The premiums for any non-occupational portion of a health insurance policy under this Section may be shared by the employer and employees in accordance with the terms of the policy or plan. All premiums for the workers' compensation portion of the pilot program shall be paid by the employer as required under R.S. 23:1163. (2) The insurer of any pilot program under this Section shall maintain records to assure compliance with Paragraph (1) of this Subsection. D. The twenty-four-hour health insurance policy may utilize deductibles and coinsurance provisions that require the employee to pay a portion of the actual medical services received by the employee. However, such policy shall exempt the employee from deductibles and coinsurance provisions related to work or occupational injuries or diseases. E. In the event the employer purchases a twenty-four-hour health insurance policy to secure payment of compensation as to medical benefits, the employer shall also obtain an insurance policy which shall provide indemnity benefits, so that the total coverage afforded by both the twenty-four-hour health insurance policy and the policy providing indemnity benefits, shall provide the total compensation required by state law. F. Any insurance policy issued under a pilot program shall insure the employer's obligation to a named insured throughout the entire period of any illness or disability, specifically, but not limited to the duration of benefits as provided under the Louisiana Workers' Compensation law or this Code for an employee and his dependents.