New Illinois Law Mandates Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnancy and Postpartum
Springfield, IL- Illinois Governor Pritzker has signed a bill that requires insurance coverage for pregnancy-related expenses.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has recently signed an updated version of House Bill 5142, ensuring that health insurance policies in the state provide coverage for pregnancy and postpartum care.
The governor emphasized that the law aims to guarantee fair Medicaid reimbursement rates for doulas, lactation consultants, home visitors, and other community-based providers.
“The connection between reproductive freedom and maternal health is undeniable, and I am grateful to my mother every time progress is made in this important cause,” expressed Pritzker.
According to State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Murrayville, there is a distinction between a nurse midwife and a midwife. His primary concern regarding the new law revolves around potential negative outcomes.
“I’m worried about whether those who are providing this kind of care have the necessary training in case something goes wrong.” Davidsmeyer inquired.
Insurance policies in Illinois are mandated to include coverage for abortions and pregnancy-ending medications.
Pritzker emphasized the alarming disparity in maternal mortality rates between Black women and White women when he signed the Birth Equity Initiative.
“It’s unfair that certain women have to consider their own mortality or future health when deciding to have children,” expressed Pritzker.
Between 2018 and 2020, the Illinois Department of Public Health recorded a total of 263 maternal deaths. Approximately half of the cases were associated with pregnancy. Substance use disorder emerged as a leading cause of pregnancy-related fatalities.
During a three-year period in Illinois, the percentage of pregnancy-related maternal deaths was extremely low compared to the total number of childbirths.
Davidsmeyer voiced his opposition to the bill due to his concerns about the potential outcomes. According to him, the implementation of the new law will result in increased expenses.
“Whenever insurers are asked to offer a new service that they currently don’t provide, it will result in increased costs,” Davidsmeyer explained.
Davidsmeyer emphasized that negative results ultimately result in increased expenses.
