SCS HS HCS HB 1069, 794, 807, 936, 1128, 1153 & 1202 --
INSURANCE COVERAGE OF MATERNITY BENEFITS

The bill requires health insurers and similar entities
(insurers) to cover inpatient care for the mother and child for
48 hours following a vaginal delivery and 96 hours following a
cesarean section. The coverage is only required if the policy
covers maternity benefits. The time period can be shortened by
the attending physician after consulting with the mother. The
attending physician is required to use criteria developed by
nationally recognized medical organizations to determine whether
the time period should be shortened. If the period is shortened,
the insurer is required to cover 2 visits by a registered
professional nurse who is experienced in maternal and child
health nursing. The schedule and location of the visits is
determined by the attending physician.

The bill applies to policies that are delivered or renewed after
January 1, 1997.

HS HCS HB 1069, 794, 807, 936, 1128, 1153 & 1202 -- INSURANCE
COVERAGE OF MATERNITY BENEFITS (Kelly)

This substitute requires health insurers and similar entities
(insurers) to cover inpatient care for the mother and child for
48 hours following a vaginal delivery and 96 hours following a
cesarean section. The coverage is only required if the policy
covers maternity benefits. The time period can be shortened by
the attending physician after consulting with the mother. The
attending physician is required to use criteria developed by
nationally recognized medical organizations to determine whether
the time period should be shortened. If the period is shortened,
the insurer is required to cover home visits by a registered
professional nurse who is experienced in maternal and child
health nursing.

Insurers are prohibited from encouraging the mother or her
attending physician to shorten the minimum time period.

Insurers are required to notify insureds of the coverage
required by the bill. Notification is required by the mailing of
the yearly informational packet or by January 1, 1997, whichever
is earlier.

The bill applies to policies that are delivered or renewed after
January 1, 1997.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0
to $1,749,788 in FY 97, $0 to $3,860,431 in FY 98, and $0 to
$3,996,021 in FY 99.  Estimated Net Increase to All State Funds
of $0 to $624,028 in FY 97, $0 to $748,834 in FY 98, and $0 to
$748,834 in FY 99.  Estimated Net Increase to Insurance
Dedicated Fund of $40,500 in FY 97, $0 in FY 98 & FY 99.

HCS HB 1069, 794, 807, 936, 1128, 1153 & 1202 -- INSURANCE
COVERAGE OF MATERNITY BENEFITS

SPONSOR:  Dougherty (Kelly)(27)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Youth, and Families by a vote of 17 to 0.

This substitute requires health insurers and similar entities
(insurers) to cover inpatient care for the mother and child for
48 hours following a vaginal delivery and 96 hours following a
cesarean section. The coverage is only required if the policy
covers maternity benefits. The time period can be shortened by
the attending physician after consulting with the mother. If the
period is shortened, the insurer is required to cover home
visits by a registered professional nurse who is experienced in
maternal and child health nursing.

Insurers are prohibited from encouraging the mother or her
attending physician to shorten the minimum time period.

Insurers are required to notify insureds of the coverage
required by the bill. Notification is required by the mailing of
the yearly informational packet or by January 1, 1997, whichever
is earlier.

The bill applies to policies that are delivered or renewed after
January 1, 1997.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0
to $1,749,788 in FY 97, $0 to $3,860,431 in FY 98, and $0 to
$3,996,021 in FY 99.  Estimated Net Cost to All State Funds of
$0 to $624,028 in FY 97, $0 to $748,834 in FY 98, and $0 to
$748,834 in FY 99.  Estimated Net Increase to Insurance
Dedicated Fund of $40,500 in FY 97, $0 in FY 98 & FY 99.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that early discharge is harmful to
the health and safety of women and children.  Early discharge
makes it less likely that certain health screens will be done
and increases the likelihood that newborn jaundice will be
missed.  Physicians and not insurance companies should decide
when a woman is discharged from the hospital.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Murray, Kelly,
Kreider, Cooper, Van Zandt, Prost, Ostmann, and Bland; Missouri
State Medical Association; American Academy of Pediatrics;
General American Life Insurance; Missouri Right to Life; and
Planned Parenthood.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that there is little
evidence that early discharge is harmful to women or their
children.  The bill is costly to the state and raises insurance
premiums. The result will be that other more necessary benefits
will be reduced.

Testifying against the bill was Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Ted Wedel, Research Analyst

HB 1069 -- Insurance Coverage for Childbirth

Co-Sponsors:  Kelly, Kreider, Witt, Ostmann, Days

The bill requires health insurers and similar entities
(insurers) to cover inpatient care for the mother and child for
48 hours following a vaginal delivery and 96 hours following a
cesarean section. If both the mother and attending physician
consent, the time period can be shortened. If the time period is
shortened, the insurer is required to cover 3 follow-up visits
by a registered professional nurse who has at least 3 years
experience in maternal and child health nursing.

In addition, the Department of Insurance is required to adopt
rules which prohibit insurers from encouraging the mother or her
attending physician to shorten the minimum time period.

Insurers are required to notify insureds of the coverage
required by the bill. Notification is required by the next
mailing to the insured or January 1, 1997, whichever is earlier.

The bill applies to policies which are delivered or renewed
after January 1, 1997.