Bill > HB4733

This bill mandates that, starting January 1, 2026, all health benefit plans offered in West Virginia must cover breastfeeding and lactation consultant services, which are defined as medically appropriate outpatient or hospital services provided by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or a certified lactation counselor to assist with milk expression or infant nutrition during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Importantly, this coverage cannot be subject to the same deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance as other benefits and will not reduce other benefits an enrollee is entitled to. Certified lactation counselors will need to be supervised by an in-network healthcare provider to be reimbursed, and the West Virginia Medicaid Program will reimburse these consultants for individuals with a Medicaid number or who meet other program requirements, with the Bureau for Medical Services authorized to file necessary state plan amendments by January 1, 2027, to ensure this coverage.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4733&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill