Bill > HB251

This bill requires insurance coverage for childbirth education classes for pregnant women and their support persons across multiple state healthcare programs. Specifically, the bill amends existing Missouri law to add childbirth education classes as a covered service under the MO HealthNet program (Missouri's Medicaid program) for pregnant women and a support person. Additionally, the bill mandates that all health insurance policies providing maternity benefits must cover childbirth education classes starting January 1, 2026. The legislation also requires the Department of Social Services to study the impact of these childbirth education classes on infant and maternal mortality among pregnant women of color, with a report to be submitted to the general assembly before January 1, 2028. The goal appears to be improving maternal and infant health outcomes by ensuring access to educational resources for expectant mothers through both public and private healthcare coverage.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB251&year=2025&code=R