Nevada's Assembly Bill 522 is making waves as it seeks to enhance maternity and pediatric care coverage in group health plans. Introduced on April 24, 2025, the bill mandates that insurers provide comprehensive coverage for maternity care and pediatric care for newborns, ensuring that new mothers and their infants receive adequate hospital stays post-delivery.

Key provisions of AB522 stipulate that group health plans cannot limit hospital stays to less than 48 hours after a normal vaginal delivery and 96 hours following a cesarean section. This is a significant move aimed at safeguarding the health of both mothers and newborns during critical recovery periods. However, the bill allows for flexibility, permitting plans to adhere to guidelines set by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics if they recommend different lengths of stay.

The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and healthcare advocates, with supporters arguing that it addresses gaps in maternal healthcare and promotes better outcomes for families. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential increases in insurance premiums and the financial burden on insurers.

AB522 also prohibits insurers from denying coverage based solely on the requirements of the bill, ensuring that pregnant individuals and their newborns are not penalized for seeking necessary care. This provision aims to eliminate practices that could undermine the intent of the legislation, such as incentivizing shorter hospital stays.

As Nevada moves forward with this legislation, the implications could be far-reaching. Experts suggest that improved maternity care coverage may lead to better health outcomes for mothers and infants, potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs associated with complications arising from inadequate postnatal care. The bill's passage could set a precedent for similar legislation in other states, highlighting the growing recognition of maternal health as a critical public health issue.

With AB522 on the legislative agenda, Nevada is poised to take a significant step toward enhancing healthcare for new families, reflecting a broader commitment to maternal and child health in the state. The next steps will involve further debates and potential amendments as lawmakers work to finalize the bill.