Requires health insurance carriers and Medicaid to provide coverage for home childbirth.*

This bill (S 1097) requires all health insurance plans in New Jersey - including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, individual policies, group plans, and health maintenance organizations - to cover planned home childbirth costs on the same basis as other medical services. It directly affects health insurance companies, Medicaid, and individuals choosing home births by mandating coverage for services provided by licensed midwives, doctors, doulas, and related medical equipment. The law specifies that coverage must be provided "to the same extent as for any other health care services" under the policy, without additional restrictions. If passed, it would ensure home birth options are financially accessible under most insurance plans in the state.