Maternal health: neonate medical wrap.
The bill will modify existing laws under the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 and the California Insurance Code, extending the provisions related to maternity care. Specifically, it strengthens the requirements placed on health insurers to ensure comprehensive coverage for new mothers and their children. As a result, this legislation aims to improve health outcomes for newborns while also promoting better maternal care standards in California's health system.
Senate Bill 613, introduced by Senator Limn on February 18, 2021, addresses maternal health by mandating that health care service plans and insurance policies providing maternity coverage include provisions for a neonate medical wrap. This requirement applies specifically to policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2022. In addition to covering neonate wraps for cesarean section deliveries, the bill stipulates that if the mother requests it, the policy must also cover the wrap for natural deliveries. This addition aims to enhance the care and protection of infants immediately after childbirth.
One aspect of contention surrounding SB 613 is the imposition of penalties for non-compliance. A willful violation of this bill's requirements by health care service plans could lead to criminal charges, thereby establishing a state-mandated local program. However, the bill provides that no reimbursement is required for costs incurred by local agencies as the legislation aims to create provisions related to penalties rather than financial obligations for local governments. This may be a point of concern for legislators focused on fiscal impacts and local governance.