Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1111

Introduced
5/24/23  

Caption

In public assistance, providing for medical assistance coverage for pasteurized donor human milk.

Impact

If enacted, HB1111 would necessitate amendments to existing public assistance programs, thereby integrating coverage for donor human milk into the state's medical assistance framework. This change is expected to increase access to necessary nutritional support for vulnerable infants, which is especially crucial in the context of health disparities. It may also lead to an increase in the availability of donor milk banks and further encourage breastfeeding practices among mothers in the community.

Summary

House Bill 1111 aims to expand medical assistance coverage to include pasteurized donor human milk. This bill recognizes the significance of donor breast milk for infants, particularly for those who are premature or have certain medical conditions where formula may not suffice. By providing coverage, the bill intends to ensure that infants in need can receive the nutritional benefits associated with human milk, thus promoting better health outcomes across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1111 has generally been positive among health advocates and pediatricians, who view it as a beneficial step toward enhancing infant health and nutrition. Proponents highlight the role of donor milk in fighting malnutrition among at-risk populations, while also supporting mothers who may face barriers to breastfeeding. However, some policymakers and budgetary analysts have expressed concerns regarding the financial implications of extending coverage, particularly about potential increased costs to state programs.

Contention

Despite the general support, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics argue that the funding model for donor milk coverage could become a burden on state resources and that the process for accessing such assistance could be administratively complicated. Others question whether insurance coverage for donor milk could lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced breastfeeding rates or reliance on donor milk instead of maternal milk. The debate reflects broader issues of healthcare funding and resources allocated to public health initiatives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB500

In public assistance, providing for medical assistance coverage for pasteurized donor human milk.

PA HB494

Human donor milk bank licensing; payment of medical assistance and health insurance coverage.

PA SB1186

Health insurance; coverage for donor human milk, penalty.

PA SB673

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

PA SB499

Health insurance; coverage for donor human milk.

PA S696

Relative to human donor milk coverage

PA H1030

Relative to human donor milk coverage

PA SB469

Medicaid; requiring coverage of medically necessary pasteurized donor human milk under certain conditions. Effective date. Emergency.

PA SB1556

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

PA A5000

Requires Medicaid coverage for fertility preservation services in cases of iatrogenic infertility caused by medically necessary treatments.

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