Assembly Bill 1088 mandates that hospitals provide postpartum home visits to individuals who have recently given birth, upon request, within 14 days of the birth. The bill specifies that these visits can be conducted by trained doulas, licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, or other licensed healthcare providers, either directly by the hospital or through referrals. The purpose of the home visit is to support recovery from childbirth and offer various postpartum services, including physical assessments, breastfeeding support, and emotional wellness screenings. Importantly, hospitals are prohibited from charging patients for these services.

Additionally, the bill requires that health insurance policies and self-insured governmental health plans that cover maternity care must provide postpartum home visit coverage without any cost-sharing for each birth. This provision is outlined in the newly created sections of the statutes, specifically 609.795 and 632.895 (15k), which ensure that such coverage is included in defined network plans, preferred provider plans, and limited service health organizations. The bill aims to enhance postpartum care and support for new parents while ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to these essential services.