This bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Insurance Department to create and manage various programs aimed at addressing perinatal mental health conditions. Key provisions include the establishment of a reimbursement program for eligible pregnant Medicaid recipients to receive one mental health screening during each trimester, as well as a program to reimburse healthcare providers for time spent advising patients diagnosed with perinatal mental health conditions. Additionally, the DHHS is required to implement outreach and incentive programs to educate providers and offer loan reimbursements for those certified in perinatal mental health therapy.

The bill also calls for a review of current Medicaid reimbursement rates for therapy and psychiatric medications, with the intention of providing higher rates for certified perinatal mental health providers. Notably, the bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, and its fiscal impact remains indeterminable as the necessary information from the DHHS is still pending. The effective date of the act is set for 60 days after its passage.