Connecticut House Bill HB05369

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Donor Breast Milk And Human Milk Products Derived From Donor Breast Milk.

Impact

This bill represents a significant shift in health insurance policy in the state, mandating that insurers cover donor breast milk as part of their benefits. The legislation is intended to align with modern medical guidelines and improve health outcomes for infants. By ensuring that breast milk from donors can be covered under Medicaid, the bill aims to support low-income families and ensure equitable access to vital nutrition for infants needing such assistance. It also requires the regulation of the donation, processing, and distribution of donor breast milk to maintain safety standards.

Summary

House Bill 05369 aims to require certain group health insurance policies in the state to provide coverage for pasteurized donor breast milk and human milk products derived from donor breast milk for infants deemed medically necessary. Specifically, the bill addresses instances where an infant cannot receive maternal breast milk either due to the mother’s inability to produce sufficient milk or the infant’s medical conditions that necessitate such alternative nourishment. The legislation seeks to ensure that infants who are medically vulnerable have access to necessary nutritional support through donor breast milk.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surrounding HB 05369 could involve the implementation of regulations concerning the safety and testing of donor milk. There may be debates regarding the costs associated with expanded coverage and funding sources for Medicaid, especially considering varying opinions on how health services are funded. Furthermore, stakeholders could express differing views on the necessity and safety of using donor milk and the ethical implications surrounding its use—particularly from a regulatory standpoint.