Subcommittee approves standardized maternal mental‑health screenings, bans some prior‑authorization hurdles
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Summary
HB1400 would mandate standardized maternal mental‑health screenings in pregnancy and six weeks postpartum and ban prior authorization and step therapy for maternal mental‑health medications; committee approved the bill 5–3 after mixed testimony from advocates and insurers.
Delegate Franklin presented HB1400 to require standardized maternal mental‑health screenings during pregnancy and the six‑week postpartum period and to prohibit prior authorization and step therapy for maternal mental‑health medications. Supporters — including League of Women Voters and Birth in Color — said screening and removing treatment barriers would reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and is consistent with standard of care.
Health-plan representatives said carriers already perform screenings and suggested that mandates that remove prior authorization be considered by HERC because they create coverage mandates. Sponsor and advocates argued timely action matters to prevent harms. The subcommittee reported the bill out 5–3.
