38.2-3414.1 - Obstetrical benefits; coverage for postpartum services. - Virginia Statutes

§ 38.2-3414.1. Obstetrical benefits; coverage for postpartum services.

A. Each insurer proposing to issue an individual or group hospital policy ormajor medical policy in this Commonwealth, each corporation proposing toissue an individual or group hospital, medical or major medical subscriptioncontract, and each health maintenance organization providing a health careplan for health care services that provides benefits for obstetrical servicesshall provide coverage for postpartum services as provided in this section.

B. Such coverage shall include benefits for inpatient care and a home visitor visits which shall be in accordance with the medical criteria, outlined inthe most current version of or an official update to the "Guidelines forPerinatal Care" prepared by the American Academy of Pediatrics and theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the "Standards forObstetric-Gynecologic Services" prepared by the American College ofObstetricians and Gynecologists. Such coverage shall be providedincorporating any changes in such Guidelines or Standards within six monthsof the publication of such Guidelines or Standards or any official amendmentthereto.

C. The requirements of this section shall apply to all insurance policies,contracts and plans delivered, issued for delivery, reissued, or extended onand after July 1, 1996, or at any time thereafter when any term of thepolicy, contract or plan is changed or any premium adjustment is made.

D. This section shall not apply to short-term travel, accident only, limitedor specified disease, or individual conversion policies or contracts, nor topolicies or contracts designed for issuance to persons eligible for coverageunder Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, known as Medicare, or any othersimilar coverage under state or federal governmental plans.

(1996, cc. 155, 201.)