Bill > S00940

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to require Medicaid to provide comprehensive maternity and newborn hospital coverage, mandating at least 48 hours of inpatient care after a natural childbirth and 96 hours after a caesarean section. The legislation goes beyond just hospital stay coverage by also requiring parent education, breastfeeding assistance, and clinical assessments for both mother and newborn. Recognizing that some mothers may prefer or medically need earlier discharge, the bill ensures that in such cases, a home care visit must be covered, which can be requested within 48 hours of a natural birth or 96 hours after a caesarean section and must be delivered within 24 hours of discharge or the mother's request. This home care visit is intended to be an additional service, not a replacement for existing home health care coverage, and is designed to support new mothers and their infants during the critical early postpartum period. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law, giving healthcare providers and Medicaid administrators time to implement the new requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S940