Gov. Mills signs Sen. Brenner bill to expand health care coverage for donor breast milk into law

AUGUSTA — On Tuesday, June 20, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law a bill from Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, into law. LD 267, “An Act to Require Private Insurance Coverage for Donor Breast Milk,” will expand health care coverage of donor breast milk to all Mainers.

“This bill will help mothers, newborns and families everywhere by improving access to this necessary care,” said Sen. Brenner. “I’m grateful to Gov. Mills for signing this legislation that will directly benefit Mainers. As a mother and a nurse midwife, I know the challenges that come with caring for newborns. This bill will ease some of the burdens of parenthood. All Mainers deserve access to donor breast milk so that they can raise strong, healthy babies.”

As amended by committee, this bill will help make donor breast milk affordable and accessible for all Mainers. Currently, MaineCare covers the cost of donor breast milk. LD 267 will ensure that those covered by private insurance also have access to this coverage.

Since Jan. 1, 2023, infants who are unable to receive breast milk or mothers who cannot produce enough breast milk are covered by public insurance to receive donor breast milk. MaineCare coverage also includes premature babies and babies who are chronically ill and need donor breast milk in order to survive infancy. Public insurance also covers the cost of donor breast milk for infants who are born underweight or have a formula intolerance. This legislation will require private carriers to match the current stipulations of MaineCare, allowing families covered by private insurance to also have access to affordable donor breast milk.

The bill will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die. Coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2024.

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