Indiana Senate Bill SB0192

Indiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25

Caption

Postpartum care for new mothers on Medicaid.

Impact

The bill mandates that hospitals not only provide contraceptive options but also ensure that mothers schedule a follow-up appointment within 60 days after delivery. By enforcing this follow-up care, SB 192 aims to improve health outcomes for new mothers by addressing potential postpartum complications and ensuring continuous healthcare engagement. The requirement for scheduling post-delivery appointments emphasizes the importance of monitoring maternal health during the critical postpartum period.

Summary

Senate Bill 192 focuses on enhancing postpartum care for new mothers enrolled in Medicaid. The bill amends existing provisions to ensure that hospitals operating maternity units provide Medicaid recipients the option to receive a long-acting reversible subdermal contraceptive after giving birth, as long as there are no medical contraindications. This provision removes an expiration date previously set for this requirement, aiming to improve access to family planning services for low-income mothers immediately after childbirth.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may raise concerns regarding the implications of mandating contraceptive access within hospitals, particularly among faith-based organizations that could object to such practices on moral grounds. While the bill does allow for exemptions based on faith-based objections, the broader debate is likely to center on balancing reproductive health access with the rights of institutions to uphold their religious beliefs. Therefore, the bill may spark discussions on the extent of mandated healthcare services within publicly funded health systems.