Oklahoma Senate Bill SB245

Oklahoma 2023 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

If passed, SB245 will amend the existing Medicaid framework in Oklahoma to include coverage for donor human milk-derived products, thus addressing significant health needs among vulnerable infants. This move is expected to improve health outcomes in newborns who require specialized nutritional support. The separate reimbursement provisions for these products, as detailed in the bill, indicate a structured approach to integrating this coverage within the broader Medicaid reimbursement system, ensuring that hospitals and healthcare providers are adequately compensated for providing this care.

Summary

SB245 seeks to enhance medical provisions for infants under twelve months old by mandating Medicaid coverage for medically necessary donor human milk-derived products. The bill recognizes the value of human milk as critical to infant health, particularly for those with specific medical needs or risk factors. To qualify for this coverage, a licensed healthcare provider must certify that the use of these products is essential for the infant's recovery or health maintenance due to conditions such as low birth weight or early gestational age.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes infant health benefits, it may also spark debates on state expenditure priorities and the role of Medicaid in covering non-traditional medical products. Some lawmakers may question the effectiveness of donor human milk-derived products versus alternatives and the financial implications of expanding Medicaid coverage to include these products. Stakeholders from healthcare systems may advocate for this coverage due to its potential to fill nutritional gaps, but cost-benefit analyses and long-term outcomes will play a significant role in discussions surrounding the bill.