Senate Bill 2874 Summary

• Requires health care professionals to screen birth mothers for depression within the first six weeks of birth, effective January 1, 2026; allows patients to refuse screening.

• Mandates health insurance issuers provide coverage for postpartum depression screening at no cost to patients (no deductibles or copayments).

• Prohibits insurers and Medicaid from requiring step therapy protocols for FDA-approved postpartum depression medications.

• Requires the State Department of Health to develop educational materials about maternal mental health conditions and mandates hospitals distribute these materials to new parents upon discharge.

• Requires health care providers rendering postnatal or pediatric infant care to offer postpartum depression screening and provide appropriate referrals and treatment options if screening indicates likely postpartum depression.