H.R.3762 - Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3762, the "Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act," aims to eliminate cost-sharing for prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum health care. The bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to achieve this goal. It mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers provide coverage for these benefits without imposing cost-sharing requirements.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would likely increase access to comprehensive maternity and newborn care by removing financial barriers. This could lead to improved maternal and infant health outcomes. The changes would apply to plan years beginning on or after the date of enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to prenatal and postpartum care, leading to better health outcomes for mothers and babies.
- Reduced financial burden on families during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Comprehensive coverage including ultrasounds, miscarriage services, delivery services, and behavioral health services.
- Aligned with existing requirements under the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, and the Internal Revenue Code.
- Addresses conditions exacerbated by or resulting from pregnancy, such as diabetes and hypertension.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in health insurance premiums due to the elimination of cost-sharing.
- Increased demand for maternity care services, possibly straining healthcare resources.
- Potential for moral hazard, where individuals may over-utilize services due to the absence of cost-sharing.
- Possible administrative complexities for health plans and insurers in implementing the changes.
- May disproportionately benefit those already with health insurance, potentially widening the gap for the uninsured.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the U.S. Constitution is primarily based on the interpretation of the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to enact laws that "provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States." By aiming to improve maternal and infant health, the bill can be argued to promote the general welfare. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and healthcare regulation has historically been an area of state authority. The bill's mandates on health insurance plans could be viewed as an intrusion into state regulatory powers, although the ACA has already established a federal role in this area.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).