Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1556

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

State Medicaid program; requiring coverage of medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and donor human milk-derived products under certain conditions. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill directly impacts Oklahoma health laws by expanding Medicaid coverage to include specific donor human milk products. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is tasked with promulgating rules to establish guidelines pertaining to which conditions would qualify an infant for this coverage and the associated limitations. This regulatory framework aims to ensure that only medically necessary provisions are eligible under Medicaid, which could contribute to enhanced health outcomes for vulnerable infants across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 1556 addresses the state Medicaid program by mandating coverage for medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk and human milk-derived products under specific circumstances. This legislation is particularly aimed at supporting infants who are unable to receive maternal breast milk, either due to the mother's incapacity to produce sufficient milk or the infant's medical needs. The bill stipulates that a licensed healthcare professional must certify the necessity of these products for the infant's health and well-being.

Contention

While the bill is grounded in providing crucial support for infants requiring alternative milk sources, discussions may involve debates regarding the allocation of Medicaid resources and the handling of donor human milk within the Medicaid framework. Opponents could argue the importance of careful vetting of donor milk sources and the potential costs involved in implementing such coverage at a state level, while supporters are likely to emphasize the positive health implications for newborns that require such assistance.