Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB4331

Introduced
5/14/24  

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of this bill extend to significant changes in the healthcare landscape, particularly regarding the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. By removing cost-sharing requirements during these critical periods, the bill promotes greater access to care for new mothers and parents, potentially reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues. It also aligns with growing recognition of the importance of mental health across all stages of life, particularly around childbirth, a time often fraught with emotional challenges.

Summary

SB4331, known as the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable Act of 2024, aims to amend federal laws to enhance coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant individuals. Specifically, the bill stipulates that group health plans and issuers must provide these services without cost-sharing during pregnancy and for one year following childbirth. This is intended to alleviate the financial burden on new parents seeking necessary mental health support.

Contention

While many advocate for the positive impacts of SB4331, there are expected areas of contention surrounding its implementation and fiscal impacts. Critics may raise concerns about the additional costs incurred by insurance providers and how this may lead to increased premiums for other policyholders. Another point of debate could center on the adequacy of mental health services available, particularly in underserved areas, and whether simply eliminating cost-sharing will lead to improved outcomes for those in need.

Companion Bills

US HB8390

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

Similar Bills

US HB8390

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

US SB4060

Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act

US SB2846

CARE for Moms Act Community Access, Resources, and Empowerment for Moms Act

US SB3006

SAFE in Recovery Act Substance Use Disorder and Family Engagement in Recovery Act

US HB5568

CARE for Moms Act Community Access, Resources, and Empowerment for Moms Act

US HB685

Support And Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act of 2025 or the SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2025This bill prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving any new drug (either as a brand-name drug or a generic) intended to terminate a pregnancy and imposes additional restrictions on such drugs that are already approved.Under the bill, an already-approved drug intended to terminate a pregnancy may be dispensed to a patient only with a prescription. Furthermore, the FDA may not approve any labeling change that would authorize (1) using the drug after 70 days of gestation, or (2) dispensing the drug by any means other than in-person administration by the prescribing health care practitioner.The FDA must also impose additional restrictions on such already-approved drugs, including by (1) requiring the prescribing health care practitioner to receive a special certification, (2) prohibiting the practitioner from also acting as the dispensing pharmacist, and (3) requiring the practitioner to have the ability to provide surgical intervention to the patient.The bill also rescinds any investigational use exemption already granted to such a drug if the bill would have prohibited the FDA from granting the exemption. (Currently, the FDA may grant an exemption to certain market approval requirements if a drug is intended solely for use in safety and effectiveness investigations.)

US HB8801

MOMS Act More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed Act

US HB6298

Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act