VT H0691

Health insurance plans must cover breastfeeding education, support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding, with no deductibles, co-pays, or other cost-sharing requirements

General hospitals with perinatal units must adopt infant-feeding policies that promote breastfeeding, following guidance from the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (WHO/UNICEF program) and the Vermont Department of Health

Hospital infant-feeding policies must be communicated to perinatal staff during orientation and clearly posted in the unit or on the hospital website

Policies may include guidance on formula supplementation or bottle-feeding when preferred by the mother or when breastfeeding is contraindicated

Effective date: January 1, 2027