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 cover the newborn. 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.

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, although notification of the birth and payment of any required premium must be submitted to the insurer within that timeframe to maintain coverage beyond 31 days. Furthermore, it specifies that coverage for newborns of a dependent child of the insured will not extend beyond the initial 31-day period unless explicitly stated in the policy. 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