COVID–19 Safe Birthing Act
- Last Action
- 4/16/2021
Actions
- 2021-04-16Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2021-04-15Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2021-04-15Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.
- 2021-04-15Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2021-04-15Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2021-04-15Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2021-04-15Introduced in House
- 2021-04-15Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2021-04-15 (00)
COVID-19 Safe Birthing Act
This bill expands coverage of maternal health care under Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and private health insurance.
The bill specifically provides for Medicare and Medicaid coverage of maternal health services that are furnished via telehealth. It also requires Medicaid, CHIP, and private health insurance to cover prenatal services and one year of postpartum care without cost-sharing.
The bill also requires short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, association health plans, and health care sharing ministries to cover COVID-19 testing without cost-sharing. It also requires state Medicaid programs to provide coverage of COVID-19 testing for pregnant individuals who are uninsured.
Additionally, as a condition of Medicare participation, hospitals must permit pregnant individuals to be accompanied by someone of their choosing (in addition to a doula or other health care worker) during labor, delivery, and recovery, and may not implement any discriminatory policies that restrict hospital access or birthing options for pregnant individuals.
Cosponsors (7)
- BENNIE THOMPSON (D-MS)
- Mark Takano (D-CA)
- Nikema Williams (D-GA)
- Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)
- Mondaire Jones (D-NY)
- SHEILA JACKSON LEE (D-TX)
- Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)
Subjects
- Cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Child health
- Emergency medical services and trauma care
- Health care costs and insurance
- Health care coverage and access
- Health technology, devices, supplies
- Hospital care
- Immunology and vaccination
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Internet and video services
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Medicaid
- Medical tests and diagnostic methods
- Medicare
- Poverty and welfare assistance
- Sex and reproductive health
- Telephone and wireless communication
- Women's health
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.