This bill aims to enhance mental health care for individuals post-pregnancy by amending various sections of the General Laws. Specifically, it introduces the phrase "including post-pregnancy mental health care" into multiple sections related to health care coverage, such as postpartum care and gynecological care. Additionally, it ensures that coverage for post-pregnancy mental health care, which includes postpartum and post-miscarriage mental health care, will not be subject to any cost-sharing requirements like deductibles or copayments. The bill also mandates that benefits for enrollees will extend equally to their covered spouses and dependents, and it emphasizes compliance by health insurers and plans with these new provisions.

Furthermore, the bill includes several amendments to ensure that the language regarding post-pregnancy mental health care is consistently integrated across various chapters, including chapters 32A, 118E, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G. These amendments aim to eliminate any unreasonable restrictions or delays in coverage and reinforce the authority of relevant divisions to ensure compliance with the new regulations. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage, reflecting a commitment to improving mental health support for individuals following pregnancy.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 32A-17C, 118E-10A, 175-47WW, 176A-8H, 176A-8XX, 176B-4H, 176G-4I