Section 1.

Expands the requirements for maternity insurance coverage under GS 58-3-170 to require all health benefit plans providing such coverage to ensure it covers necessary services and care for births occurring, or planned to occur, under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, at home or at a birthing center. Applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended on and after October 1, 2025.

Section 2.

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Health Benefits (DHB), to ensure that beneficiaries of the Medicaid program have the same coverage as described in Section 1, above. Requires the Division to provide reimbursement for these services in the same manner as other maternity coverage at a rate equal to 90% of the covered commercial rate. Directs the services to be added as soon as possible on or after July 1, 2025.

Section 3.

Effective at the start of the next plan year following the effective date of the act, applies the maternity coverage requirements set forth in GS 58-3-170 to the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees (Plan) under GS 135-48.51. Effective July 1, 2025, appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of the State Treasurer for 2025-26 to create greater access to maternity care provided at birthing centers in this state under the Plan. Specifies that incentives to be considered by the Plan’s Board of Trustees will ultimately result in cost savings to the Plan and may include subsidies not to exceed $1,500 for maternity care at a birthing center and reimbursement rates for these services that are no lower than 90% of the average commercial rate paid to hospitals for the same or similar maternity care services.