Nevada health plans must cover maternity care for gestational carriers by 2025

On March 24, 2025, the Nevada State Legislature introduced Assembly Bill 522, a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing maternity care and ensuring equitable health benefits for pregnant and postpartum individuals, as well as newborns. The bill seeks to address critical issues surrounding hospital stay coverage and the financial implications of childbirth-related healthcare.

The primary provisions of AB522 mandate that health benefit plans must provide comprehensive coverage for hospital stays related to childbirth, ensuring that any cost-sharing mechanisms, such as deductibles or coinsurance, are not less favorable for the latter portions of a hospital stay compared to earlier portions. This aims to prevent insurance companies from imposing stricter financial burdens on families during vulnerable times. Additionally, the bill clarifies that health plans cannot deny coverage for maternity care based on the insured acting as a gestational carrier, thereby expanding protections for all individuals involved in childbirth.

Notably, the bill includes stipulations that allow health plans to negotiate reimbursement levels with healthcare providers, provided that these arrangements prioritize the best interests of the pregnant or postpartum individual and their newborn. This flexibility is intended to promote efficient healthcare delivery while maintaining essential coverage standards.

Debate surrounding AB522 has highlighted concerns from various stakeholders, including healthcare providers and insurance companies, who argue that the financial implications of the bill could lead to increased premiums. Supporters, however, emphasize the necessity of protecting maternal and infant health, particularly in light of rising healthcare costs and disparities in access to care.

The implications of AB522 are significant, as it not only aims to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants but also addresses broader social issues related to healthcare equity. Experts suggest that if passed, the bill could set a precedent for similar legislation in other states, potentially reshaping maternity care standards nationwide.

As the legislative process unfolds, the future of AB522 will depend on ongoing discussions and potential amendments, with advocates urging swift passage to ensure that families receive the support they need during critical moments of childbirth and postpartum recovery. The bill is set to take effect for health plans issued or renewed after October 1, 2025, marking a pivotal step toward enhanced maternal health protections in Nevada.