Oklahoma Senate Bill SB446

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Medicaid; requiring coverage of certain breast pumps; specifying limits of coverage; requiring breast pumps to meet certain minimum specifications. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The introduction of SB446 could significantly impact state laws by expanding the scope of the Medicaid program's coverage, directly benefiting mothers and their infants during critical health periods. This aligns with broader public health goals of promoting breastfeeding and enhancing maternal and child health outcomes in Oklahoma. Moreover, the bill stipulates that covered breast pumps must meet minimum specifications set by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, ensuring quality alongside access.

Summary

Senate Bill 446 (SB446) focuses on enhancing healthcare support for pregnant individuals by mandating the Oklahoma Medicaid program to cover breast pumps. This coverage is to be provided under specific conditions, requiring a valid prescription from a qualified healthcare provider. The bill ensures that Medicaid will reimburse for one breast pump per pregnancy, which could include different types such as manual, electric, or battery-powered models. This initiative is driven by the importance of breastfeeding in infant health and the recognition of potential barriers to access for essential breastfeeding equipment.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a beneficial measure for maternal health, there may also be contention regarding budget implications for the state's Medicaid program. There are concerns about the financial sustainability of expanding coverage and the necessary federal approvals that will need to be sought to implement these provisions. Additionally, the effectiveness of such a measure in increasing breastfeeding rates and if additional support systems will be required alongside this policy could be areas of debate among stakeholders.