NJ Bill Would Force Health Insurers To Cover Home Birth Expenses

NEW JERSEY — Health insurers would have to cover expenses for New Jersey women who choose to give birth at home under a proposed law that recently moved forward in the halls of Trenton.

Earlier this week, the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee unanimously voted to advance S-1097. The bill now heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for further review.

According to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Britnee Timberlake (NJ-34), many women are choosing to forego the hospital and give birth at home with the help of trained professionals such as midwives or doctors. It can be “significantly” more affordable than hospital births, with uncomplicated vaginal births costing about 60 percent less at home, the senator said.

The problem? Homebirths aren’t covered by most forms of insurance.

If it crosses the finish line, the proposed law would require insurers to cover costs for expenses such as doula services, equipment and medical supplies, as well as associated services from doctors or nurses.

The bill would take effect immediately after its passage. It would apply to health insurance carriers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and insurance companies), the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program, and the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs.

Timberlake said she is trying to create “equity” for women who want to have a home birth – but can’t afford to pay the out-of-pocket costs. It’s something that the senator would have done herself if she had the option, she said.

“Home birthing costs thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, deterring many women who would prefer this option but may not have the means,” said Timberlake, who represents the towns of Belleville, Bloomfield, East Orange, Glen Ridge, Nutley and Orange.

“A woman's right to choose should extend to all aspects of her life, including how she wants to birth,” she added.

Experts say that most pregnant women who choose to have planned home births deliver without problems, although some potential risks may exist. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cautions women against a planned home birth if they are pregnant with more than one baby, their baby doesn't settle into a position that allows for a headfirst delivery, or they have had a C-section in the past.

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