Women’s and Children’s Health
While strides have been made in supporting the rights of mothers and their babies, obstacles still remain to providing adequate coverage of perinatal education and services, such as lactation consultants and prenatal diagnostic testing. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive effects associated with preparing new mothers through information and services about the best ways to care for their child. AB 2438 is intended to improve women and children’s health by requiring health plans to cover vital perinatal education and services that ensure the optimal health, growth and development of California’s infants. Current Law: The state requires health care plans to provide coverage or prenatal diagnostic testing of genetic disorders only in cases of "high-risk pregnancies" (Health and Safety Code, Section 1367.7). The state also requires physicians to offer prenatal diagnostic testing to all pregnant women, but does not require coverage of this testing by private health plans. Conversely, Medi-Cal does cover prenatal diagnostic testing for any woman who chooses to participate in screening for genetic diseases. What AB 2438 Does: AB 2438 would require any group health care service plans and any disability insurance policy that covers hospital, medical or surgical expenses, to provide coverage for various services and classes related to breast-feeding (including access to lactation consultants), prenatal diagnostic testing, health education and nutritional assessment. Why AB 2438 is Needed: Certain perinatal activities, such as helping a parent understand a baby’s nutritional requirements, conducting prenatal testing to identify diseases, and preparing a mother to breastfeed for longer periods of time, can prevent a future of high health care expenditures. This type of cost-effective "preventive medicine" should be covered by health plans. Research has shown that there are great benefits from perinatal activities, especially with regards to breast-feeding. A recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics cites many advantages for breastfed infants including lower rates of meningitis, fewer ear and respiratory infections, and possible protection against sudden infant death syndrome. There are also reciprocal benefits to woman who breastfeed, such as a reduction in the risk of ovarian and breast cancers. This same report recommended routine insurance coverage for necessary breast-feeding services, including the assessment and management of breast-feeding routines by pediatricians and licensed health care professionals. Breast-feeding is also an important part of the Governor’s Preventive Agenda, supported by the Statewide Committee on Breastfeeding Promotion. While health plans are required to cover prenatal diagnostic testing in cases of high-risk pregnancy, a population of mothers who may not appear to be "high-risk" may be overlooked and therefore vital information is not collected. Medi-Cal provides much more comprehensive converge, allowing women the option to select prenatal testing to screen for genetic disorders. According to the Center on Genetic Disease, 70% of women offered this service chose to access prenatal diagnostic testing. This same opportunity should be provided to women with private health care coverage. AB 2438 is good public policy that provides fair access to services that benefit everyone. Many mothers need the information provided by perinatal classes and services to help them care for a child in the best way possible during their early development, giving that child a chance at a healthy life. Back to Breastfeeding Advocacy & Legislation.