MO HB1199

Requires health insurers to provide minimum 48 hours of inpatient hospital care following vaginal delivery and 96 hours following cesarean section for mother and newborn.

Allows shorter hospital stays only if the attending physician approves after consulting with the mother and the insurer provides coverage for minimum two post-discharge visits, at least one in the home.

Prohibits insurers from imposing waiting periods for maternity coverage, requiring coverage to be available immediately from the policy or plan effective date.

Prohibits insurers from penalizing attending physicians through financial disincentives, service termination, or reduced payments for ordering care consistent with these maternity coverage requirements.

Requires insurers to provide written notice to policyholders regarding maternity coverage requirements and prohibits applying higher deductibles or co-payments to maternity services than other similar health care services.