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Committee extends newborn enrollment window to 60 days, approves second substitute and amendment
Summary
The committee adopted a second substitute and an amendment to SB 245 that extends the insurance enrollment window for newborns from 30 to 60 days in the circumstances described and forwarded the bill with a favorable recommendation after sponsor and industry input.
The committee adopted the second substitute and amendment 1 to SB 245 and favorably recommended the bill, a measure that extends the window for adding a newborn to employer‑sponsored coverage from 30 days to 60 days under the substitute language discussed.
Senator Wyler said the bill grew out of a constituent case in which a new mother missed the 30‑day deadline after a premature birth and paid roughly $8,000 out of pocket for the child’s hospitalization. Wyler said he supported the second substitute and asked House floor sponsors to make any additional technical changes as needed.
Representatives and witnesses noted the change narrows the bill from broader notice requirements to a more focused extension of the enrollment window. A representative of insurance professionals told the committee the association supports the second substitute. A public commenter who works in the industry said 60 days would help families and that 90 days would be even better, but supported the compromise.
The committee adopted the second substitute and an amendment and then voted to forward the bill with a favorable recommendation to the House floor.
Ending — Sponsor and committee members said the revised measure is a practical fix they expect to support on the floor; the committee advanced the bill with a favorable recommendation.
