Oklahoma Senate Bill SB245

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of SB245 is expected to influence state Medicaid regulations significantly. By providing coverage for medically necessary donor human milk-derived products, the bill intends to enhance access to essential nutritional support for infants who are medically fragile. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is tasked with developing specific rules to effectuate this coverage, with an emphasis on ensuring that the donor products meet quality standards. This move could set a precedent for similar legislation aimed at expanding Medicaid services to include specialized infant care.

Summary

Senate Bill 245 (SB245) seeks to extend Medicaid coverage for donor human milk-derived products for infants under twelve months of age. The bill mandates that coverage is available when a licensed healthcare provider certifies that such products are medically necessary. Specific conditions for coverage include infants with low birth weights, premature infants, and those with certain congenital or acquired conditions requiring donor milk for recuperative purposes. This initiative aims to improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable infants who may require specialized nutrition.

Contention

While the bill aims to foster better health outcomes for infants, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of Medicaid funds. Some stakeholders may express concerns over the costs associated with extending coverage, particularly in the context of limited state budgets. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the criteria for determining medical necessity, which might differ among healthcare providers. The process for seeking federal approval, as outlined in the bill, may also affect its implementation timeline and acceptance among different healthcare stakeholders.