Section 21.42.347. Coverage for costs of birth.

   (a) A health care insurer who provides coverage for the costs of childbirth shall also provide coverage for the costs of hospitalization or medical care following childbirth for a period of not less than
        (1) 48 hours after a vaginal birth; and
        (2) 96 hours after a caesarean birth.
   (b) Except as otherwise required to provide coverage specified under (a) of this section, this section does not affect a payment arrangement entered into between a hospital or health care provider and a health care insurer.
   (c) This section may not be construed to require hospitalization or medical care as described under (a)(1) or (2) of this section if the mother giving birth and the mother's health care provider agree that the mother and any newborn child of the mother should be discharged earlier than required under (a)(1) or (2) of this section.
   (d) In this section,
        (1) "health care insurer" has the meaning given in AS 21.54.500; "health care insurer" includes the Comprehensive Health Insurance Association as described in AS 21.55.010;
        (2) "health care provider" means a person licensed in this state to provide health care services.

Notes

History

(Sec. 1 ch 49 SLA 1996; am Sec. 44 - 46 ch 81 SLA 1997)