Us Congress House Bill HB3387

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/23
• Refer: 5/16/23
• Refer: 5/19/23

Caption

No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act

Impact

This bill will require modifications to the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Internal Revenue Code. The objective is to create a more supportive environment for new parents, enabling them to secure health insurance for their children seamlessly during a crucial time. By ensuring that newborns are covered immediately after birth, the bill also aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with medical expenses that can arise unexpectedly during this period.

Summary

House Bill 3387, also known as the No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act, aims to enhance health coverage for newborns under various health insurance plans. The legislation mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers provide coverage for newborns for a specified 30-day period following their birth. This coverage will ensure that newborns have access to necessary healthcare services, which is critical for their early development. Furthermore, the bill calls for a special enrollment period lasting at least 60 days, allowing parents to enroll their newborns in the health insurance plan without penalties typically associated with late enrollment.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB3387 may arise from potential pushback regarding the implications for health insurance providers and the administrative changes needed to implement these new enrollment policies. Some stakeholders may argue about the financial impact on insurers, particularly related to the extended period of coverage for newborns and the additional customer service requirements for notifying parents about enrollment issues. These concerns could lead to discussions about the balance between ensuring comprehensive care for newborns and maintaining manageable operational mechanics for insurance companies.