HB 971 → ACT 859
A Historic Step Forward for Louisiana’s Independent Rural Health Clinics
What Was HB 971?
HB 971, authored by Representative Joe Stagni, was legislation designed to address the Medicaid reimbursement disparity between independent Rural Health Clinics (Type 1 RHCs) and provider-based Rural Health Clinics (Type 2 and Type 3 RHCs).
The legislation directs the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to take the necessary actions to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent and provider-based RHCs. Under the enacted law, independent RHC encounter rates will increase by $41.50 in each of fiscal years 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, with the annual Medicare Economic Index (MEI) inflationary adjustment also applied.
For independent Rural Health Clinics, this represents an important step toward greater financial stability and sustainability. Stronger reimbursement helps independent clinics continue providing essential primary care and other services in rural communities where access to healthcare can already be limited.
HB 971 → ACT 859
Signed June 8, 2026
$41.50 + $41.50 Medicaid Encounter Rate Increase Toward Reimbursement Equity for Independent RHCs
Why HB 971 Mattered
Independent Rural Health Clinics play a critical role in Louisiana's healthcare system. They provide accessible care to patients in rural communities, employ local healthcare professionals, and often serve as one of the few sources of primary healthcare in their communities.
However, differences in Medicaid reimbursement created financial challenges for independent RHCs competing to maintain sustainable operations while continuing to serve their communities.
HB 971 was about addressing that disparity.
The goal was not simply to increase reimbursement, it was to help create a more sustainable environment for independent RHCs so they can continue serving Louisiana's rural communities for generations to come.
Over the course of the effort, LaRHC helped:
Educate legislators about the challenges facing independent RHCs
Advocate for Medicaid reimbursement equity
Coordinate communication and grassroots outreach
Encourage RHC owners and providers to engage directly with legislators
Mobilize members and supporters to attend legislative hearings
Provide information and resources for advocacy efforts
Maintain communication with legislators throughout the legislative process
Coordinate in-person support at the Capitol
Work alongside our legislative advocate/lobbyist throughout the process
Build support from independent RHC providers across Louisiana
Keep members informed as HB 971 moved through the Legislature
This was not an easy battle, but it was a necessary one.
The effort demonstrated what can happen when independent rural healthcare providers come together around a shared mission.
The Journey to Act 859
More Than a Legislative Victory
The passage of HB 971 was the result of extensive advocacy, collaboration, and persistence from independent Rural Health Clinics and their supporters.
Louisiana Rural Health Collective worked alongside independent RHC owners, providers, healthcare leaders, legislators, and advocates to bring attention to the reimbursement disparity and explain its impact on rural healthcare.
Key Individuals
The advocates who were there with us at the Capitol, in the hearing rooms, and at the table with legislators when it mattered most.
Alec Jeansonne
Amelia Deaville
Kourtni Atkins-Luster
Health Care First Medical Clinic, LLC
Rhonda Bergeron
Acadiana Practitioners Port Barre
Acadiana Practitioners Gastro Clinic
Acadiana Practitioners Specialty Clinic
Acadiana Practitioners Opelousas
Acadiana Practitioners Sunset
Nicole Doucet
Iota Family Healthcare
Jennings Family Healthcare
Pine Prairie Family Healthcare
Rayne Family Healthcare
Bryan Tate
Independence Family Clinic
Kentwood Family Clinic
Buzz Jeansonne
Cottonport Family Clinic
Marksville Family Clinic
Simmesport Family Clinic
Palmetto Family Clinic
Mansura Family Clinic
Brock Romero
Rural Health Clinic of Loreauville
Kristina Landry & Eric Guillory
Magnolia Theraputics
Ernest Drake
Strawberry Patch Pediatrics
Raja Talluri
St. Joseph Medical Clinic
Thibodeaux Medical Clinic
Chris Bowman
Michael Brooks Family Clinic
Cheri & Charles Cody
Family Healthcare and Wellness Center
Jade Heinen & Brian Heinen
Heinen Medical Eunice
Heinen Medical Ville Platte
Heinen Medical Kinder
Louis Crenshaw
Louisiana Quick Care
Peggy Gautreau
Total Family Medical
Medha Kulkarni
Women’s Clinic of Oakdale
Mamou OB GYN & Family Health Center
Alan Hancock
West Ouachita Family Medicine
HB 971 ADVOCACY FUND
Funds raised by independent Rural Health Clinics helped support legislative advocacy and lobbying efforts on behalf of HB 971.
$29,452.85 RAISED
57 CLINICS CONTRIBUTED
-
Rhonda Bergeron $2,075
Acadiana Practitioners Port Barre; Acadiana Practitioners Opelousas; Acadiana Practitioners Gastro Clinic; Acadiana Practitioners Specialty Clinic; Acadiana Practitioners Sunset
Victor Carlock $2,060
Carlock Family Medical Clinic at Leesville; Carlock Family Medical Clinic at Otis
Ernie Drake $2,060
Strawberry Patch Pediatrics and Family Clinic
Jade Heinen $2,058
Heinen Medical Eunice; Heinen Medical Ville Platte; Heinen Medical Kinder
Bryan Dale Tate, Jr. $1,544
Independence Family Clinic; Kentwood Family Clinic
Nicole Doucet $1,544
Jennings Family Healthcare; Iota Family Healthcare; Pine Prairie Family Healthcare; Rayne Family Healthcare
Alan R. Hancock $1,045
West Ouachita Family Medicine, LLC
Cheri K. Cody $1,030
Family Health Care and Wellness Center
Kristy Landry $1,030
Magnolia Therapeutics
Peggy Gautreau $1,030
Total Family Medical
Brittany Miller $1,030
La Bonne Vie Family Healthcare
Medha Kulkarni $1,030
Women's Clinic of Oakdale; Mamou OB GYN & Family Health Center
Raja Talluri $1,030
St. Joseph Medical Clinic; Thibodaux Medical Clinic
Nagaratna Reddy $1,030
Reddy Family Medical Clinic Donaldsonville; Reddy Family Medical Clinic White Castle; Reddy Family Medical Clinic Plaquemine; Reddy Family Medical Clinic Pierre Part; Reddy Family Medical Clinic Napoleonville
Travis King $736
Family Healthcare of Bedico
Kristen Veillon $618
Community Family Medical Clinic
Kourtini Atkins-Luster $515
Health Care First Medical Clinic, LLC
Louis Crenshaw $515
Louisiana Quick Care
Kristy Moody $515
Cornerstone Children's Clinic
Chris Bowman $515
Michael Brooks Family Clinic
Brock Romero $515
Rural Health Clinic of Loreauville, LLC
Anna Fontenot $515
Dupre Medical Clinic
Ben Sylvestri $515
Rayville Family Clinic
Chantel LaHaye & Marcellus LaHaye $515
Vidrine Rural Health Clinic
Brandy Robles $515
Newman Family Clinic
Cora Chenevert $515
Chenevert Family Care Clinic
Michelle Sonnier $515
Fleur-De-Lis Family Healthcare of Cankton
Kimberly Manina $515
Family Healthcare of Loranger, LLC
Shannon Bagnet Finley $515
DCS Family Health Clinic
Buzz Jeansonne $515
Cottonport Family Clinic; Mansura Family Clinic; Marksville Family Clinic; Simmesport Family Clinic; Palmetto Family Clinic
Taylor Cottano $515
Southern Evals
Anthony Palazzo $514
Bogalusa Pediatric Clinic; Bogalusa Family Medicine & Behavioral Health
Jay McGregor $206
Greensburg Walk-In Clinic
Julie Ducote $51
Family Medicine Clinic