AN ACT relating to coverage for the care of children.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beverly Chester-Burton and 1 co-sponsor

HB 365 would expand or require pediatric health coverage, ensuring minors’ medical and mental health services are covered by insurers.

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Summary of HB 365 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose of the bill

HB 365 is an act relating to coverage for the care of children. The bill aims to establish or modify requirements for health insurance coverage, access, and related protections specifically tied to the medical and care needs of minor dependents. The overall intent appears to be expanding, clarifying, or mandating coverage terms that pertain to pediatric care, with the goal of ensuring children receive necessary health services through insurers or payer programs.

Key provisions and changes (as described by title and session actions)

The bill focuses on coverage for the care of children, which may include services such as preventive pediatric care, treatments for acute and chronic conditions, mental health services for minors, specialty care, and related administrative provisions.

It may introduce new coverage mandates, modify existing requirements, or adjust how insurers interpret and deliver pediatric benefits. Specifics such as types of services covered, limits, cost-sharing (copays/deductibles), and prior authorization rules would be defined in the bill’s text.

Administrative and regulatory updates could be included, potentially affecting how plans are designed, reviewed by regulators, or communicated to enrollees about pediatric benefits.

The bill’s provisions could address timelines for coverage decisions (e.g., pre-authorization processing times), network adequacy for pediatric specialists, and consumer protections related to pediatric care access.

Who would be affected

Individual health insurance enrollees who are dependents under 18, and their families.

Health insurers and health benefit plans offering coverage in Kentucky, including commercial plans and possibly state-regulated plans.

Healthcare providers, particularly pediatricians, pediatric specialists, and mental health professionals who bill for services provided to children.

Employers or sponsors of self-funded plans, if the bill applies to fully insured products or includes changes that impact plan administration and benefits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The measure was introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on January 13, 2026.

It was assigned to the Banking & Insurance Committee (H) on January 21, 2026, indicating the bill will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and stakeholder testimony before advancing.

As a 2026 Regular Session bill, it will follow the standard legislative timeline for Kentucky, including potential committee hearings, floor votes, and, if approved, escalation to the Senate and eventual signature or veto by the governor.

Notes and considerations

The summary above reflects the bill’s title and stated focus; the precise language will determine the exact scope, including any specific services, exemptions, cost-sharing limits, duration of coverage for certain treatments, and implementation timelines.

For a complete understanding, the full text of HB 365 and any fiscal notes, amendments, or committee reports should be reviewed once available.

If you’d like, I can update this summary with the exact text and any fiscal impact statements once they’re published.