Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine Senate Bill LD267

Introduced
1/31/23  
Refer
1/31/23  
Engrossed
6/8/23  
Enrolled
6/12/23  

Caption

An Act to Require Private Insurance Coverage for Donor Breast Milk

Impact

The impact of LD267 is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility for infants requiring donor breast milk, thereby aligning with broader state and national healthcare goals of improving child health outcomes. By requiring insurance companies to cover donor breast milk, the bill may alleviate financial burdens for families, ensuring that medically eligible infants receive the nutrition they need. Moreover, it highlights a growing recognition in policy that supports the importance of breastfeeding and alternatives when natural feeding is not an option.

Summary

LD267 is an Act designed to mandate private insurance coverage for donor breast milk under specific medical conditions. This legislation aims to ensure that infants who are unable to receive maternal breast milk for various health reasons can access donor breast milk, which is deemed medically necessary. The bill sets forth criteria that must be met for coverage, including conditions like congenital heart disease, gastrointestinal anomalies, and significant low birth weight, among others. By addressing these medical needs, LD267 attempts to improve health outcomes for vulnerable infants and support their nutritional requirements effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD267 appears to be predominantly positive, reflecting a consensus on the necessity of providing essential nutrition for infants. Supporters argue that the bill addresses an important gap in healthcare coverage and promotes the health of some of the most vulnerable populations—in this case, infants with medical conditions that prevent them from breastfeeding. While there may be concerns about the implications of expanded insurance coverage, the general public health perspective emphasizes the benefits of providing donor breast milk to those in need.

Contention

Some potential points of contention surrounding LD267 could involve debates about the logistics of implementation, including the costs that insurance companies may face in complying with the new coverage requirements. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the sourcing and safety regulations of donor breast milk, which could become pivotal in ensuring that standards are maintained. While the necessity for donor breast milk coverage is widely recognized, the bill also opens discussions on the balance between insurance provider obligations and cost-management strategies in the healthcare system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME HB05369

An Act Concerning Donor Breast Milk And Human Milk Products Derived From Donor Breast Milk.

ME SB499

Health insurance; coverage for donor human milk.

ME HB07165

An Act Concerning Medicaid Coverage For Donor Breast Milk.

ME HB726

Health insurance; coverage for donated human breast milk.

ME SB1186

Health insurance; coverage for donor human milk, penalty.

ME SB673

In casualty insurance, providing for coverage for inpatient pasteurized donor human milk and human milk-derived products.

ME SB344

Health insurance; coverage for donated human breast milk, effective date.

ME H0115

An act relating to health insurance coverage for donated human breast milk

ME H1030

Relative to human donor milk coverage

ME S696

Relative to human donor milk coverage

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.