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Bill

SB 821

Insurance: health insurers; provide the department of health and human services information on medical malpractice insurance relating to perinatal care services; require on request. Amends sec. 2434 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.2434).

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 8 co-sponsors

Michigan requires health insurers to report medical malpractice insurance data for perinatal care to improve state understanding of maternal healthcare access barriers.

placed on second reading
#insurance:healthinsurers
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 821

Legislative bill overview

SB 821 requires health insurance companies in Michigan to provide the Department of Health and Human Services with information about their medical malpractice insurance coverage related to perinatal care services (pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care). The department can request this information to better understand insurance availability and gaps in coverage for obstetric providers.

Why is this important

Perinatal care providers face high malpractice insurance costs, which can limit access to obstetric services, particularly in rural or underserved areas. By collecting data on malpractice insurance availability and pricing, the state can identify systemic barriers to maternal healthcare access and inform future policy decisions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and provider availability.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance company burden: Requiring insurers to compile and submit detailed information imposes administrative costs, though the data request appears limited in scope
  • Data use and privacy: The bill doesn't specify how the department will use collected data or what privacy protections apply, raising questions about confidentiality of business information
  • Limited scope of solution: While data collection is useful, critics may argue it doesn't directly address underlying cost problems or guarantee improved maternal healthcare access without follow-up legislation

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

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