Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3509

Introduced
12/13/23  

Caption

Healthy MOM Act Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act

Impact

If enacted, SB3509 will significantly impact Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by requiring a 12-month continuous coverage extension for pregnant and postpartum individuals. The amendment will ensure that pregnant persons maintain coverage throughout their pregnancy and the postpartum period, which can have profound implications for maternal and infant health outcomes. Additionally, it will alter eligibility standards for Medicaid specifically for pregnant individuals, ensuring that states comply with updated provisions regarding income eligibility and coverage standards.

Summary

SB3509, known as the Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act, aims to create a special enrollment period for pregnant individuals in various health insurance plans, including those under the Public Health Service Act and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This bill proposes to allow pregnant individuals to enroll in health coverage at the time of pregnancy, which would be recognized as a qualifying life event. Furthermore, it mandates that all group health plans provide coverage for maternity care associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care for all participants, regardless of their age, including dependents.

Contention

While the bill has received broad support for its potential to improve maternal health, some points of contention have arisen. Critics may argue about the financial implications for state healthcare budgets, especially regarding the expansion of Medicaid coverage and the requirements set for private insurers. Opponents may be concerned about the administrative burdens placed on health plans, as insurers will need to adjust their protocols to accommodate the new enrollment periods and ensure compliance with the extended coverage mandates. There are also deeper discussions regarding how the bill would interact with existing state laws and whether it might infringe upon states' rights to regulate health insurance.

Companion Bills

US HB6716

Related Healthy MOM Act Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act

Previously Filed As

US HB6716

Healthy MOM Act Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine Act

US SB5236

Keeping Obstetrics Local Act

US SB2059

Keeping Obstetrics Local Act

US HB3942

Keeping Obstetrics Local Act

US HB8390

Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2024 Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable Act of 2024

US SB4331

Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2024 Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable Act of 2024

US HB4605

Healthy Moms and Babies Act

US SB948

Healthy Moms and Babies Act

US HB9049

HEALTH for MOM Act of 2024 Harnessing Effective and Appropriate Long-Term Health for Moms On Medicaid Act of 2024

US HB8383

Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act

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