SF 2424

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to insurance; requiring health plan companies to provide coverage for the
transfer and hospital care of a mother whose newborn was transferred to another
facility; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.0411.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 62A.0411, is amended to read:

62A.0411 MATERNITY CARE.

new text begin (a) new text end Every health plan as defined in section 62Q.01, subdivision 3, that provides
maternity benefits must, consistent with other coinsurance, co-payment, deductible, and
related contract terms, provide coverage of a minimum of 48 hours of inpatient care
following a vaginal delivery and a minimum of 96 hours of inpatient care following a
caesarean section for a mother and her newborn. The health plan shall not provide any
compensation or other nonmedical remuneration to encourage a mother and newborn to
leave inpatient care before the duration minimums specified in this section.

The health plan must also provide coverage for postdelivery care to a mother and her
newborn if the duration of inpatient care is less than the minimums provided in this section.

Postdelivery care consists of a minimum of one home visit by a registered nurse.
Services provided by the registered nurse include, but are not limited to, parent education,
assistance and training in breast and bottle feeding, and conducting any necessary and
appropriate clinical tests. The home visit must be conducted within four days following
the discharge of the mother and her child.

new text begin (b) If during the mother's hospital stay, her newborn is transferred for medical
reasons to another hospital, the health plan must provide coverage for the transfer of the
mother to that hospital and for the care provided for the remaining duration of inpatient
care required to be provided under this section. This paragraph shall only apply if the
hospital where the newborn was transferred has the bed capacity and provides the medical
services necessary to accommodate the transfer and the mother's medical condition. The
health plan company may prorate the hospital payment for services provided to the mother.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION.
new text end

new text begin Section 1 is effective August 1, 2006, and applies to health plans issued or renewed
to provide coverage to Minnesota residents on or after that date.
new text end