This bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a state plan amendment or waiver to provide prenatal services under the targeted low-income child health option of the CHIP. Program services would be prenatal care and pregnancy-related services connected to the health of the unborn child whose mothers meet program income requirements but are otherwise ineligible for coverage under Medicaid.

Introducing Senator(s): Campbell, Ashford, Howard, Mello, Nordquist

Committee: Health and Human Services Committee

Committee Hearing Date: March 16, 2011

Current Status: Became law on a veto override motion on April 18, 2012.

Estimated Fiscal Impact:  On an annual basis, 1,162 unborn children would be covered. The cost would be $2,497,195 ($773,381 GF and $1,723,814 FF) in FY 13 and $2,522,984 ($781,368 GF and $1,741,616 FF) in FY 14.

Voices for Children Position:  Support

Extensive research has shown that prenatal care is integral to healthy child development.  Some of the negative outcomes associated with prenatal care can have lifelong consequences.  Prenatal care is also cost-effective when compared with the high costs of complicated births, time in the neonatal intensive care unit, and other undesirable birth outcomes.  All babies born in Nebraska are citizens and will be eligible for Medicaid at birth.  All Nebraska babies deserve the best chance at a healthy start in life.

Research:

Voices for Children Prenatal Care Issue Brief June 2010

Policy of other states: Fourteen states have taken up this coverage option

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