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Bill

HB 386

AN ACT relating to coverage for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders screenings.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Bojanowski and 6 co-sponsors

Requires certain health plans to cover evidence-based PMAD screenings and follow-up treatment to improve perinatal mental health outcomes.

to Banking & Insurance (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 386

Bill Summary: HB 386 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and Intent

HB 386 seeks to address coverage for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) by ensuring that screenings and related services are covered as part of health insurance plans. The bill aims to promote early identification and treatment of PMADs to support maternal and infant health, reduce potential complications, and improve outcomes for families affected by perinatal mental health conditions.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Coverage Mandate for PMAD Screenings: Requires certain health insurance plans to cover screenings for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This aligns screening with preventive care practices and supports routine assessment during the perinatal period.
  • Evidence-Based Screenings: Specifies that screenings should be evidence-based and validated tools appropriate for identifying PMADs, with the expectation that providers use standardized instruments.
  • Follow-Up Services and Treatment: In addition to screenings, the bill typically encompasses necessary follow-up assessments, counseling, psychotherapy, mental health services, and other clinically appropriate treatments for individuals identified as needing care.
  • Provider Access and Referral: Encourages or requires coordination of care, including referrals to mental health professionals or perinatal specialists when screenings indicate potential PMADs.
  • Non-Discrimination in Coverage: Provisions to ensure that coverage decisions for PMAD-related services are not discriminatory and align with existing mental health parity requirements (where applicable).
  • Cost-Sharing Considerations: Aims to minimize barriers by addressing cost-sharing elements (e.g., co-pays, deductibles) for PMAD screening and subsequent treatment, consistent with parity and preventive care standards.
  • Scope of Plans Treated: Applies to certain types of health plans (e.g., private insurers, and possibly state-regulated plans) as defined by the bill, with potential exemptions for self-funded plans or plans not governed by state statute, depending on the final drafting.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals During Perinatal Period: Pregnant individuals and those in the postpartum period who would undergo PMAD screenings and any recommended follow-up care.
  • Health Insurers and Providers: Insurers would implement coverage requirements for PMAD screenings and related services; healthcare providers would conduct screenings and coordinate subsequent care.
  • Employers/Plan Sponsors (where applicable): If certain plans are employer-provided, they would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the mandated coverage.
  • State Regulators: The Kentucky Department of Banking and Insurance may oversee enforcement, compliance, and consumer protections related to PMAD coverage.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introductory Status: Introduced in the Kentucky House on January 14, 2026.
  • Referral History: Referred to the Committee on Committees (for organizational purposes) on January 14, 2026, and subsequently to the Banking & Insurance Committee on January 22, 2026, indicating consideration within the health/insurance policy domain.
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would typically undergo hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Banking & Insurance Committee and then the full House, followed by Senate counterparts, before any final legislative action and potential signature into law.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill’s language would specify the exact scope (which plans are affected, any exemptions, and specific required screenings/tools).
  • Details on cost-sharing limits, parity alignment, and enforcement mechanisms may be further refined during committee amendments.
  • As of the current action history, the bill is in early-stage committee review, with no enacted provisions yet in statute.

If you want, I can monitor updates on HB 386 and provide an updated briefing after the committee hearings and any amendments are published.

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

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