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House approves perinatal behavioral‑health unit bill, backing a specialized inpatient option
Summary
Lawmakers approved Senate Bill 42 to require coverage for voluntary inpatient perinatal psychiatric treatment under commercial insurance and Medicaid and to support a first‑in‑state perinatal unit at Women’s Hospital; the House adopted technical Medicaid payment clarifications.
The House on Tuesday approved Senate Bill 42, a measure addressing perinatal behavioral health that sponsors and supporters said will expand coverage for voluntary inpatient care following perinatal psychiatric diagnoses.
Representative Brett Miller carried the measure in the House and described a Women’s Hospital perinatal mental health unit that would provide inpatient care for pregnant and postpartum women, potentially for up to a year postpartum. Miller said maternal mental‑health conditions affect roughly one in five mothers and the new unit would offer specialized treatment for severe cases, including suicidality and substance issues.
The Department of Health sought an amendment specifying payment criteria for Medicaid services; the House adopted a technical amendment without objection. Supporters said the measure is funded through the Senate budget and represents an important expansion of perinatal mental‑health care in the state.
The House passed the bill by recorded vote, 92 ayes and 4 nays. Proponents said the unit and the coverage requirements aim to reduce maternal morbidity related to psychiatric conditions and to provide a dedicated inpatient resource for severe perinatal behavioral illness.
