Connecticut Senate Bill SB00497

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Requiring The State To Provide Medical Assistance For Prenatal Care.

Impact

The implementation of SB00497 would significantly impact state laws concerning healthcare coverage for prenatal services. By mandating the provision of medical assistance for prenatal care, the bill seeks to ensure that a broader range of pregnant women, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, have access to essential health services. This could lead to increased preventive care and potentially decrease complications during pregnancy and childbirth, aligning with public health objectives to reduce maternal mortality rates.

Summary

SB00497 is a legislative proposal aimed at expanding access to prenatal care by requiring the state to provide medical assistance to pregnant women. Specifically, the bill proposes an amendment to title 17b of the general statutes, which would involve the Commissioner of Social Services utilizing the 'unborn child option' available under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The main objective of the bill is to enhance healthcare services for expectant mothers, thereby promoting better maternal and child health outcomes.

Contention

While the bill's goal of enhancing access to prenatal care is broadly supported, potential points of contention may arise around the funding and administration of the expanded services. Legislators may debate the fiscal implications for the state budget, particularly concerning the allocation of funds to cover the additional medical expenses. Furthermore, discussions could center on the capacity of current health programs to effectively implement the bill without causing disruptions in service delivery or overstretching resources.