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HF 606

A bill for an act relating to certain health insurance policies, contracts, and plans and a special enrollment period for pregnant women.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ann Meyer

Bill HF 606 allows pregnant women to enroll in health insurance anytime during pregnancy, ensuring coverage starts from the month their pregnancy is certified.

Introduced, referred to Commerce.
#healthinsurance #medicalcare #pregnancy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 606

Summary of Bill HF 606

Bill Number: HF 606
Title: A bill for an act relating to certain health insurance policies, contracts, and plans and a special enrollment period for pregnant women.
Status: Introduced, referred to Commerce
Introduced Date: February 26, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Health Insurance, Medical Care, Pregnancy

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill HF 606 is to establish a special enrollment period for pregnant women within certain health insurance policies, contracts, and plans. This legislation aims to enhance access to health insurance for pregnant women by allowing them to enroll at any time during their pregnancy without incurring penalties or fees.

Key Provisions

  • Special Enrollment Period: The bill mandates that health insurance policies providing third-party payment or prepayment for medical expenses must allow pregnant women to enroll at any time after a healthcare professional certifies their pregnancy.

  • Effective Coverage Date: Upon enrollment, the coverage for the pregnant woman will be effective from the first day of the month in which the healthcare professional confirms the pregnancy. Alternatively, the individual may choose to have the coverage start on a different date.

  • Exemptions: The provisions of this bill do not apply to certain types of insurance, including:

    • Accident-only insurance
    • Specified disease insurance
    • Short-term hospital or medical insurance
    • Hospital confinement indemnity insurance
    • Credit insurance
    • Dental and vision insurance
    • Medicare supplement insurance
    • Long-term care insurance
    • Basic hospital and medical-surgical expense coverage
    • Disability income insurance
    • Coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance
    • Workers’ compensation or similar insurance
    • Automobile medical payment insurance

  • Regulatory Authority: The Commissioner of Insurance is tasked with adopting rules to administer the provisions of this bill.

Who Would Be Affected

This bill primarily affects:
- Pregnant Women: It provides them with greater flexibility and access to health insurance during their pregnancy.
- Health Insurance Providers: Insurance companies and organizations that offer individual or group health plans will need to comply with the new enrollment requirements.
- Healthcare Professionals: They will play a crucial role in certifying pregnancies, which triggers the special enrollment period.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025, and has been referred to the Commerce committee for further consideration.
  • If passed, the provisions of the bill would take effect for policies issued on or after January 1, 2026.

Conclusion

Bill HF 606 seeks to improve health insurance accessibility for pregnant women by instituting a special enrollment period that allows for timely enrollment without penalties. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to supporting maternal health and ensuring that women have the necessary coverage during pregnancy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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