Summary — SB 25-118: Health Insurance Prenatal Care No Cost Sharing
Status: Governor signed (May 29, 2025)
Introduced: February 4, 2025
Primary sponsors: Sen. Jamie Jackson; Rep. Iman Jodeh; Rep. Jeff Bridges; Rep. Katie Stewart (multiple cosponsors)
Note: The official bill text was not included with the materials provided. This summary is based on the bill title, sponsors, and legislative history. For exact statutory language, definitions, exceptions, and effective date, consult the enrolled bill text on the Colorado General Assembly website.
Purpose and intent
SB 25-118 is intended to eliminate or prohibit out‑of‑pocket cost‑sharing (for example: copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles) for prenatal care services under applicable health insurance plans regulated by the state. The policy goal is to reduce financial barriers to early and ongoing prenatal care, improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Key provisions (conceptual overview)
Although the full text is needed for precise language, the title and standard legislative practice indicate the bill would:
- Prohibit insurers and health benefit plans from imposing cost‑sharing for prenatal care services.
- Define which services qualify as “prenatal care” (typically prenatal visits, related laboratory tests, screenings, ultrasound imaging, and possibly prenatal nutritional counseling or supplements — exact scope to be confirmed in the bill).
- Specify the types of health plans covered (for example: individual market, small‑ and large‑group plans, and possibly state-regulated plans) and any exemptions (for example: self‑funded ERISA plans or federal programs).
- Establish enforcement or compliance requirements for carriers and may direct the Division of Insurance to adopt implementing guidance or rules.
- Address applicability to public programs (e.g., Medicaid/CHP+) or leave those programs to separate action.
Who is affected
- Pregnant individuals covered by health plans regulated by the state: reduced or eliminated prenatal out‑of‑pocket costs.
- Health insurers and health maintenance organizations required to cover prenatal services without cost sharing.
- Potentially employers (through premium or plan design changes) and state budgets if the change applies to state‑funded coverage.
Fiscal and implementation considerations
- Short‑term increases in insurer costs due to lower patient cost‑sharing; these may be offset over time by improved outcomes and reduced complications.
- Possible impacts on premiums or plan design depending on scope.
- Administrative work for insurers and regulators to amend plan documents and notify enrollees; potential need for rulemaking.
Legislative timeline (selected)
- Introduced in Senate: 2025‑02‑04 (Senate Health & Human Services)
- Passed both chambers (Senate and House) with various committee referrals and amendments: April–May 2025
- Sent to Governor: 2025‑05‑13
- Governor signed: 2025‑05‑29
For exact definitions, covered services, effective date, exemptions, and enforcement provisions, review the enrolled bill text (SB 25‑118) on the Colorado General Assembly website or contact the bill sponsors’ offices.
