Kentucky Legislature (healthcare bills) · January 13, 2026 · Primary source
KY HB 21: AN ACT relating to mental health coverage in connection with pregnancy.
Summary
Kentucky House Bill 21 would require health benefit plans to cover counseling interventions for pregnant and postpartum persons at increased risk of perinatal depression, including those who have suffered miscarriage or stillbirth, effective for plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. The mandate extends to Kentucky Medicaid, CHIP, the state employee health plan, and self-insured employer plans at state postsecondary institutions, with a contingency suspending application to qualified health plans if state cost-defrayal payments would be triggered. The bill has been referred to the House Banking and Insurance Committee.
What this may mean
If enacted, health insurers, Medicaid managed care plans, and self-insured state employer plans in Kentucky must cover perinatal depression counseling interventions for high-risk pregnant and postpartum individuals beginning January 1, 2027. Kentucky Medicaid would need to seek federal approval before implementing the coverage requirement if CMS approval is determined to be necessary. The bill remains in committee and is not yet law.
Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.
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