Senator Hwang Votes to Enhance Access to Prenatal Care

June 4, 2017

Hartford –State Senator Tony Hwang (R-28) this week voted in favor of legislation to make pregnancy a qualifying event for women in need of health insurance. By allowing uninsured women to obtain health coverage when they discover they are pregnant, the bill improves access to important prenatal care for the expectant mother and her child.

Senate Bill 586 received unanimous approval in the Senate. If signed into law, it would create a special insurance enrollment period so uninsured expectant mothers would not have to wait until their child is born to access insurance. Once a health care professional confirms a pregnancy, the woman would have 30 days to purchase insurance privately or through the state exchange.

“As every parent knows, prenatal care during those developing months plays an important role in the health of a mother and her child,” Sen. Hwang said. “So many things can happen during pregnancy: gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia. Prenatal care can help manage all of these for a healthier and safer pregnancy and delivery.”

Federal law restricts the purchase of insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period, unless there is a qualifying life event like marriage or the birth of a baby. Pregnancy is not a qualifying event in Connecticut, but the proposed legislation would change that.

“Nothing is more precious than a newborn child and nothing is more fragile,” Sen. Hwang said. “Ensuring that pregnant women have access to prenatal care means that their baby will have the best possible chance for a healthy life when it is born. The health of the mother is attended to so she can be in the healthiest state to welcome her new child. Healthy mothers and babies is something that is good for them and good for society.”

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for final passage.

Sen. Hwang represents the communities of Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston, and Westport.