Bill > A07681

This bill amends the New York Social Services Law to require Medicaid to provide comprehensive maternity and newborn hospital coverage, mandating inpatient stays of at least 48 hours after a natural delivery and 96 hours after a caesarean section. The legislation also requires that maternity care coverage include parent education, assistance with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and necessary clinical assessments for both mother and newborn. Importantly, the bill gives mothers the option to be discharged earlier than the specified time periods, in which case the Medicaid program must cover at least one home care visit within 24 hours of discharge or the mother's request (and no later than 48 hours after a natural birth or 96 hours after a caesarean section). This home care visit is designed to be an additional service, not a replacement for other available home health care coverage. The bill is intended to ensure comprehensive postpartum care and support for new mothers and their infants, with the provisions taking effect 180 days after becoming law.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7681