HCS/SCS/SBs 533, 512 & 581 - All health insurers which provide maternity benefits shall provide a minimum of 48 hours of in-patient care for mother and child following a vaginal delivery and a minimum of 96 hours of in-patient care following a caesarean section. This requirement is also applied to limited mandate health insurance policies.

SHORTER STAYS - A health insurer may authorize a shorter length of hospital stay for such maternity services if: (1) the attending physician approves of the shorter hospital stay after consulting with the mother; the approval must be in accordance with guidelines for perinatal care; and (2) the insurance provider provides for a minimum of two post-discharge care visits by a registered professional nurse with experience in maternal and child health nursing or by a physician. The location and schedule of visits shall be set by the attending physician. The post discharge services are specified.

NOTICE, DEDUCTIBLE - Health insurers shall notify insured persons of the coverage required by this act. No greater deductible or copayment shall be charged for the maternal services than for similar services under the policy. Health insurers may not place financial disincentives on physicians in relation to maternal benefits under this act.

RULES - The Department of Insurance shall write rules and regulations which include language prohibiting the use of incentives or punishments to encourage an early release of the mother and infant from the hospital.
MIKE HOEFERKAMP