This bill amends RSA 415:22 to establish that a birth mother's health insurance policy will be the primary coverage for her newborn child from the moment of birth, unless the mother lacks insurance or coverage under an employer-sponsored health plan. The bill specifies that benefits for the newborn will not incur any additional cost sharing and that the mother's policy will always take precedence. If the mother does not have health insurance, the other parent's policy may then provide coverage. Additionally, the bill clarifies that coverage for newborns will be equivalent to that provided for other covered individuals, including necessary care for congenital defects and birth abnormalities.

Key changes in the bill include the insertion of language that emphasizes the primary nature of the birth mother's policy and the removal of previous stipulations regarding coverage for children. The bill also introduces a provision stating that no additional premium will be charged for the newborn's coverage during the first 31 days after birth, while maintaining the requirement for notification and payment of any necessary premium to continue coverage beyond that period. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 415:22
As Amended by the Senate: 415:22
Version adopted by both bodies: 415:22
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 415:22