Missouri House Bill HB2077

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/13/22

Caption

Requires health benefit plans that provide coverage for maternity benefits to cover medically necessary laboratory tests and ultrasounds related to an enrollee's pregnancy

Impact

If enacted, HB 2077 would have notable implications for state health insurance regulations and practices. The change would necessitate that health insurance providers adjust their policies to align with the new requirement for including specific prenatal services. As a result, this could potentially increase healthcare-related costs for insurers, but may ultimately improve health outcomes for mothers and infants by promoting early detection and treatment of pregnancy-related conditions.

Summary

House Bill 2077 mandates that health benefit plans providing maternity benefits must also cover medically necessary laboratory tests and ultrasounds directly related to an enrollee's pregnancy. This legislation aims to ensure that pregnant individuals have access to essential medical services that can aid in monitoring and managing their health during pregnancy. By including coverage for laboratory tests and ultrasounds, the bill addresses a significant gap in maternity care, offering comprehensive support for expectant families.

Contention

While the bill is primarily aimed at enhancing maternity benefits, it may also spark discussions about the extent of coverage that health insurers are mandated to provide. Some policymakers and insurance advocates may express concerns regarding the financial implications of the expanded coverage, particularly how it may affect insurance premiums for all enrollees. Additionally, questions about what constitutes 'medically necessary' could lead to further debate among stakeholders about appropriate care standards in pregnancy-related diagnostics and treatment.