U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith, Tim Kaine, Josh Hawley, and Kirsten Gillibrand have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing the financial burden of pregnancy and childbirth. The proposed legislation, named the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act, seeks to eliminate insurance cost-sharing fees on services related to prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum healthcare for those with private health insurance.
The bill intends to ease the out-of-pocket expenses parents face when having a child. It aims to prevent cost-sharing requirements for various stages of maternal care including prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum health care.
Senator Hyde-Smith emphasized the financial challenges faced by families: “Bringing a child into the world is costly enough without piling on cost-share fees that saddle many mothers and families with debt. This legislation would take away some of the burden for childbearing generations.”
Senator Kaine noted recent progress in lowering healthcare costs but acknowledged ongoing economic uncertainties: “In recent years, we’ve made tremendous progress to lower health care costs and expand access to care… I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation.”
Highlighting the impact on families, Senator Hawley stated: “Being pro-family means fostering an economy that makes it feasible to raise a child… This legislation would eliminate out-of-pocket maternity costs for families with private health insurance.”
Senator Gillibrand addressed concerns about delayed medical care due to financial fears: “The fear of an enormous bill leads some women to delay seeking prenatal or postpartum care… I am proud to be introducing this bipartisan legislation.”
Statistics indicate that while average out-of-pocket costs for childbirth are around $3,000 for those with large-group employer insurance, 17 percent encounter bills over $5,000. A report found 17.5 percent of women with private insurance struggled with medical bills.
The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act has garnered support from several medical provider organizations and advocacy groups focused on family welfare.
