MO SB559

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, effective January 1, 1997.

Permits shorter hospital stays only if approved by attending physician following current "Guidelines for Perinatal Care" from the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, with mandatory post-discharge care coverage.

Mandates post-discharge care consisting of minimum two visits (at least one in-home) by registered nurse or physician, including physical assessments, parent education, feeding assistance, immunization education, and metabolic testing.

Prohibits insurers from imposing greater deductibles, co-payments, waiting periods, financial disincentives, or penalties against physicians for ordering maternity care consistent with this section, with coverage available immediately upon policy effective date.

Requires written notice to policyholders about required maternity coverage and grants the Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration authority to adopt implementing rules and regulations.