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# Louisiana got one right
- URL: https://www.redeyebr.com/louisiana-got-one-right/
- Published: 2026-06-14T22:53:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-14T23:04:07.000Z
- Description: The state is one of just four mandating full coverage for menopause—and it got there first.
- Author: JR Ball
- Tags: Analysis

Louisiana is one of four states in the country that mandates insurance coverage for menopause treatment. Not California. Not New York. Louisiana.

**Why it matters:** The state that ranks near the bottom on most women's health measures got this one right—and got there first.

**How it happened:** House Bill 392, sponsored by Rep. Aimee Freeman of New Orleans, passed in 2024 and took effect Aug. 1 of that year.

- Freeman brought the bill after doctors complained they couldn't get hormone replacement therapy covered by Medicaid for patients experiencing menopause and perimenopause.
- The law requires both Medicaid and private insurers to cover it.

**The big picture:** More than half of U.S. states have introduced [menopause-related legislation](https://www.axios.com/2026/06/11/menopause-legislation-bills-map?ref=redeyebr.com) since 2023, with eight bills now law.

- California passed coverage mandates twice—Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed them both. Maryland and New Jersey recently joined the list.
- Of the four states that mandate full coverage, only Louisiana and Illinois cover all patients. Oregon and Washington cover some.

**The bottom line:** Credit where it's due. For Louisiana to be ahead of the curve on anything not related to football, food or having a good time is rare—but leading the charge on women's health is rarer still.

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