As part of the Assembly’s ongoing efforts to assist parents and ensure aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) remain in place regardless of any federal changes, Assembly Democrats have sponsored legislation guaranteeing and expanding coverage of breastfeeding support in New Jersey. The bill (A-5509) passed the full Assembly and Senate Monday, by a 71-0-1 and 40-0 vote respectively.
Upon the bill’s passage, Democratic sponsors Gabriela Mosquera (D-Camden, Gloucester), Britnee N. Timberlake (D-Essex, Passaic) and Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson) released the following joint statement:
“As parents of young children, each of us knows first-hand the challenges of raising a child and just how important it is to be able to receive the support you need.
“Under the ACA, Medicaid currently provides coverage for breastfeeding equipment and services. This legislation would not only guarantee continued coverage for Medicaid recipients even if the ACA is dismantled at the federal level, but would also require all New Jersey insurers to provide coverage for comprehensive lactation support.
“In addition to breast pump kits and other relevant equipment, lactation counseling and consultation would be covered by insurance companies with no shared costs for recipients.
“Ultimately, this bill will promote the health and well-being of mothers and their babies, while giving New Jersey parents one less expense to worry about as they care for their children.”