RELATING TO INSURANCE -- ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE POLICIES
Impact
The implementation of HB 7277 will have a significant impact on the state's healthcare regulations and the insurance industry. By requiring coverage for lactation counseling services, the bill recognizes the importance of breastfeeding support and the role lactation counselors play in ensuring the health and well-being of both infants and mothers. With the potential to improve maternal and child health outcomes, it aligns the state's insurance laws with contemporary healthcare practices that prioritize comprehensive health services for new families.
Summary
House Bill 7277 is proposed legislation that mandates health insurance policies to cover services provided by licensed certified lactation counselors for childbearing families. The bill stipulates that these services, which are critical during the early months of a child's life, should be accessible without requiring supervision or duplicate payments to both a lactation counselor and another healthcare provider. This ensures that families can receive necessary support during a significant period of adjustment without facing unnecessary financial barriers.
Contention
While the bill seeks to provide essential services, there may be concerns from insurers about the financial implications of mandated coverage, particularly regarding the reimbursement processes and reporting requirements outlined in the legislation. Critics might argue that imposing such mandates could lead to increased insurance premiums or reduced profitability for health insurers. Supporters, however, emphasize that ensuring access to lactation support is vital for promoting public health and supporting families during early childhood development.
Implementation
The changes proposed in HB 7277 are set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Health insurers will be required to report utilization and cost information related to lactation counselor services to the office of the health insurance commissioner annually beginning in 2027. This reporting requirement is intended to facilitate oversight and ensure that the services provided are both accessible and effective, thus promoting accountability among insurers in fulfilling the new coverage requirements.
Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It also prohibits requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.
Requires health insurance policies to cover licensed certified lactation counselor services for childbearing families. It also prohibits requiring supervision or duplicate payments for services and mandates annual reporting.
Requires health insurance plans to cover services provided by licensed certified professional midwives. Insurers must report utilization and cost data annually. Certain limited benefit policies are exempt.
Mandates all insurance contracts, plans or policies provide insurance coverage for the expense of diagnosing and treating infertility, for women between the ages of 25 and 42 years including preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in conjunction with IVF.
Requires individual and group health insurance policies that provide pregnancy-related benefits to cover medically necessary expenses for diagnosis and treatment of infertility and standard fertility-preservation services.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 49; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to professional counselors.