Bill > HB649

This bill aims to improve maternal mental health screening and care in Georgia by requiring health insurance policies to cover comprehensive mental health screenings for pregnant and postpartum women. The bill mandates screenings at specific points during pregnancy and within 12 months after childbirth, including the first prenatal visit, between 28-32 weeks of gestation, at delivery, at the six-week postpartum visit, and at pediatric visits. These screenings will use evidence-based questionnaires to identify perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, which affect one in five women during pregnancy or within the first year after giving birth. The legislation requires healthcare providers to offer these screenings, provide referral resources, and educational materials about maternal mental health conditions. Additionally, the bill establishes a three-year pilot program focusing on remote screening in high-risk and rural communities, and creates a comprehensive quality metrics program to track screening rates, treatment outcomes, and healthcare equity. Insurance policies must cover these screenings both in-person and through telehealth services, with the provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2026, contingent upon specific funding appropriation. The bill's ultimate goal is to improve maternal mental health outcomes, support early intervention, and reduce the long-term impacts of untreated mental health conditions on mothers and children.

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https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70848