Downey Bill Requiring Info on Health Insurance for Newborns to Be Provided to Parents Continues Advancing

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assemblywoman Joann Downey sponsored that would require informational literature on health insurance coverage for newborns to be provided to new parents continued advancing on Monday, receiving approval from a Senate panel.

Under current law, newborns are automatically covered under their parents’ insurance for a period of 30 days after the date of birth. If the insurance company is not notified of the birth within that time, coverage for newborns lapses until the next open enrollment period.

According to the sponsor, this lack of knowledge about the coverage enrollment window can leave new parents footing the bill for wellness visits for their child and can be especially taxing for single mothers attempting to adapt to life with a new baby.

“There’s a lot to remember when planning for the arrival of a new baby,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “Ensuring continuous health benefits coverage for a newborn is just as important as making sure you’ve packed the baby blankets. The intent of this bill is to remind parents of the urgency in obtaining health insurance within the specified period of time.”

The legislation (A-1458) would require the Commissioner of the Department of Health (DOH) to make information on newborn health insurance coverage available to each health care professional who provides prenatal care in the state. Each health care professional would then be required to provide the information to new mothers, including adoptive mothers.

The literature would be required to inform new parents of:

§ The timeline under which the parent’s health insurance policy provides coverage for a newborn child; and

§ How to obtain coverage for that child after that period under either the parent’s policy; a separate, private health insurance policy; or public health coverage plan.

The legislation had been unanimously approved by the full Assembly in March. However, the measure was amended by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today so it must now go back to the full Assembly for concurrence, in addition to being approved by the full Senate. The bill would take effect four months following its enactment.