Sen. Logan Supports Legislation Enhancing Access to Prenatal Care​

From CGA: Today State Senator George S. Logan (R-Ansonia) stood in strong support of legislation that would improve access to prenatal health care by allowing uninsured pregnant women to enroll in health insurance.

Senate Bill 586 would make pregnancy a qualifying life event so that expectant mothers could enroll in health insurance outside of the yearly open enrollment period, instead of being required to wait until their child is born to access insurance. Under the bill, a special enrollment period would be offered within 30 days after the pregnancy is confirmed by a licensed health care provider.

“I am proud to stand with my fellow Senators in strong support of this important legislation,” said Sen. Logan. “This bill enhances access to health insurance for some of our most vulnerable Connecticut residents.”

Under federal law, individuals cannot purchase insurance outside the yearly Open Enrollment Period unless they experience a qualifying life event for example – marriage or the birth of a baby. Pregnancy, however, is not currently classified as a qualifying event in Connecticut. The proposed legislation would change this so that expectant mothers would be allowed to enroll in health insurance upon becoming pregnant.

“At the end of the day this will not only help expectant mothers stay healthy, but it will continue to help protect babies against future life-threatening complications,” said Sen. Logan.

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

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