Bill > S522

This bill proposes a comprehensive set of measures to improve healthcare access and support for women aged 40-65 in North Carolina, called the Thrive at Midlife Act. The bill mandates that health insurance plans cover essential midlife healthcare services, including menopause-related care, preventative screenings, chronic disease management, mental health services, and telehealth services, with cost-sharing requirements aligned with preventative care guidelines. It establishes a Midlife Health Access Grant Program to provide funding to healthcare providers serving uninsured midlife women, creates individual and business tax credits for midlife healthcare expenses (with refundable options based on income levels), and launches a Thrive at Midlife Grant Program to help small businesses cover healthcare costs. The legislation also includes provisions to expand provider training through midlife health fellowship programs at medical schools, develop a Regional Midlife Health Hubs Pilot Program in counties with high healthcare disparities, and conduct a statewide public awareness campaign about midlife women's health challenges. Additionally, the bill establishes a Midlife Health Advisory Council to provide recommendations on improving healthcare for midlife women and requires annual reporting on healthcare coverage gaps and disparities. The comprehensive approach aims to address the unique healthcare needs of women in midlife by improving access, affordability, and awareness of essential health services.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S522