Sen. Brenner introduces legislation to expand health care coverage for donor breast milk

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, introduced a bill to expand health care coverage by requiring private insurance carriers to cover donor breast milk. LD 267, “An Act to Require Private Insurance Coverage for Donor Breast Milk,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services.

“As a mother and certified nurse midwife, I know that this legislation would be vital for mothers and their newborns,” Sen. Brenner said. “Donor breast milk is essential for many families. It is our duty to ensure that necessary health care services are covered and accessible to everyone. This bill will close the loop by adding Maine’s privately insured population to the list of covered parties.”

This legislation would help to make donor breast milk affordable and accessible for all Mainers. Currently, MaineCare covers the cost of donor breast milk. LD 267 would 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 also includes premature babies and babies who are chronically ill, who 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 would 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.

LD 267 would prevent private insurance carriers from imposing any deductible, copayment, coinsurance or other cost-sharing requirement for the costs of donor breast milk.

LD 267 faces further action in committee.

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