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Bill

HB 21

AN ACT relating to mental health coverage in connection with pregnancy.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by George Brown and 2 co-sponsors

Kentucky bill mandating insurance coverage of mental health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals to address maternal mental health care access gaps.

to Banking & Insurance (H)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 21

Legislative bill overview

HB 21 is a Kentucky bill that mandates mental health coverage for pregnant individuals and those in the postpartum period. The bill appears designed to ensure that health insurance plans cover mental health services related to pregnancy, including conditions like prenatal depression, anxiety, and postpartum depression. The specific scope and requirements remain to be detailed as the bill progresses through committee review.

Why is this important

Maternal mental health is a significant public health issue, with postpartum depression affecting approximately 1 in 7 mothers and potentially impacting infant development and family wellbeing. Ensuring insurance coverage for mental health services removes financial barriers to care during a vulnerable period. This addresses a gap where mental health conditions during pregnancy and postpartum periods are sometimes inadequately covered or treated compared to physical health conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue that expanded mental health mandates increase premium costs for all policyholders, particularly in a state-specific mandate that could affect competitiveness
  • Definition and scope: Disagreement over which mental health services qualify, duration of coverage, and whether coverage extends to all pregnancy-related mental health conditions or only diagnosed disorders
  • Implementation burden: Questions about how providers will screen, document, and bill for pregnancy-related mental health services, and whether there are sufficient mental health providers in Kentucky to meet increased demand

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

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