Bill > S05290

This bill requires all insurance policies and health maintenance organization contracts to provide coverage for maternity patients and their newborns for hospital stays of at least 48 hours following childbirth by natural delivery and 96 hours following childbirth by cesarean section. It also provides similar coverage for patients who are recipients of Medicaid. The bill allows for a shorter hospital stay if the mother exercises the option to be discharged earlier and the treating physician determines that the mother and newborn are ready for discharge, with post-discharge follow-up including at least one home visit within 24 hours by a licensed healthcare provider.