SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5581
As of February 7, 2023
Title: An act relating to developing strategies to reduce or eliminate deductibles for maternal support services and postpartum care.
Brief Description: Developing strategies to reduce or eliminate deductibles for maternal support services and postpartum care.
Sponsors: Senators Muzzall, Robinson, Braun, Rivers, Warnick, Cleveland, Hasegawa, Kuderer, Lovelett, Shewmake, Wilson, C., Wilson, J. and Wilson, L..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 2/07/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, in collaboration with health carriers, to develop strategies to reduce or eliminate deductibles for maternity and postpartum care.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Greg Attanasio (786-7410)
Background:

Federal law requires most health plans to cover maternity services including child birth and newborn care. These plans also must cover preventative services, including prenatal visits and screenings, gestational diabetes testing, folic acid supplements, tobacco cessation counseling and interventions, and breastfeeding services, without any cost-sharing. Deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses related to maternity and delivery services vary based on plan design, but the average out-of-pocket cost is approximately $2,800. 
Summary of Bill:

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), in collaboration with health carriers, must develop strategies to reduce or eliminate deductibles for maternal support services and postpartum care. By December 1, 2023, OIC must submit a report to the the Legislature outlining those strategies. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 6, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: OIC welcomes opportunity to consider policies to reduce maternity care deductibles. OIC recommends using the term maternity care services and broadening the study to all cost-sharing. .OIC needs more time to complete the work requests until July 2024.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Ron Muzzall, Prime Sponsor; Jane Beyer, Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.