An Act Concerning Medicaid Coverage For Licensed International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.
Impact
If enacted, this bill could significantly broaden access to professional lactation support services for mothers covered by Medicaid. By providing coverage for lactation consultations, the state aims to improve breastfeeding rates, which have been associated with various positive health outcomes, including reduced healthcare costs and improved health for both mothers and infants. This move aligns Medicaid funding with the growing recognition of the importance of breastfeeding for child development and maternal health.
Summary
House Bill 06102 aims to amend Title 17b of the general statutes to require the Commissioner of Social Services to provide Medicaid coverage for Licensed International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, to the extent permissible under federal law. This legislation is designed to ensure that essential breastfeeding support is accessible to women who are Medicaid beneficiaries, promoting maternal and infant health.
Contention
As discussions around the bill unfold, there may be notable points of contention regarding the funding and implementation of this new coverage. While proponents advocate for the public health benefits that access to lactation specialists can provide, some may raise concerns about the associated costs and how they might impact state budgets. Additionally, there may be debates surrounding the specifics of qualified provider criteria and how to ensure access to these services in different communities.
An Act Concerning Medicaid Coverage Of Rapid Whole Genome Sequencing For Critically Ill Infants And Studies Concerning The Elimination Or Reduction Of The Katie Beckett Waiver Program Waiting List And Medicaid Coverage Of Diapers.