ALBANY — Prenatal vitamins will now be covered by insurance for women with a prescription under a bill approved by the state Senate this week aimed at improving the health of mothers and children in New York state.
The bill, passed by Congress in January, aims to make vitamin supplements available to women of all socio-economic backgrounds at little or no cost. Health insurance providers are required to cover drugs, and coverage may be subject to deductibles and coinsurance.
“This will only produce healthy babies in New York state,” Congress said. The bill’s legislative sponsor, Eileen Gunther (D-Forestburg), told Newsday.
The bill comes as the New York State Legislature strives to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, which have been higher across the state and nationally in recent years, especially for women of color.
New York’s infant mortality rate is 4.26 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to preliminary 2022 data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
The maternal mortality rate from 2018 to 2020 was 19.3 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to state health department data.
The state budget approved last month includes the creation of a paid maternity leave program and expanded access to community-based doulas to help mothers, particularly in low-income areas, receive appropriate care before, during, and after childbirth. , included several measures aimed at improving maternal health. they give birth.
“While this is a positive step for the health of mothers and the health of their children, there is more we can do,” said state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Ozone Park), sponsor of the prenatal event. Told. Vitamin bill in the Senate.
Prenatal vitamins have the support of groups such as the New York State Catholic Conference, but face opposition from insurance companies.
The New York State Association of Health Plans, which represents insurance companies, said in a memo about the bill that “the creation of new health insurance coverage requirements would result in increased costs for individuals and employers purchasing health insurance in New York State.” .
maternal nutrition
According to the American Pregnancy Association, a national health organization, prenatal supplements contain vitamins such as calcium, iron, and folic acid to support fetal development and ensure that both mother and baby are getting the essential nutrients they need. and minerals.
Gunther, who worked as a nurse in obstetrics, said prenatal vitamins could improve the health of mothers and babies.
Gunther said the bill would not only reduce costs for people purchasing prenatal vitamins, but would also save insurance companies and states money in the long run. “A healthy baby costs less than a baby with some kind of disability,” she said.
The New York State Catholic Conference applauded the bill’s passage.
“We get excited every time we see legislation and initiatives that support women,” said Kristen Cullen, Government Relations Conference Director. “Anything we can do to make it easier to carry the baby through to birth,” she said, adding that “every little bit helps” in building a comprehensive support network for women.
The New York Health Insurance Association said the bill, while well-intentioned, is “unnecessary” because most insurance plans offer this benefit, the memo said. “Forcing employers to include benefits that they or their employees do not want or need exacerbates their challenges in finding affordable health care options,” the memo states.
The bill will now be sent to Gov. Kathy Hokle for review. If approved, it will come into effect in January 2025.
