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by CNY Central Staff
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D/NY) is pushing for health insurance to cover the costs of childbirth.
Senator Gillibrand announced her Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act during a virtual press conference on Wednesday, May 21. She highlighted the need for insurance companies to fully cover childbirth-related expenses.
The bipartisan legislation aims to reduce the financial burden on families by ensuring that costs are fully covered. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) cosponsor this legislation.
"Even with insurance, childbirth can cost families thousands of dollars," Gillibrand said, noting that expenses are particularly high for women. She emphasized that new mothers are twice as likely to face medical debt.
The proposed act would categorize childbirth-related costs like ultrasounds, delivery services, mental health care and care for miscarriages as essential health benefits, eliminating insurance cost-sharing services. According to Gillibrand, the bill is expected to cause only a minor increase of $30 annually per enrollee in average premiums.
