S.536

Birth Freedom Act

Introduced·3/25/25

North Carolina S536 mandates equal maternity care benefits and home birth coverage in health plans.

North Carolina S536, the Birth Freedom Act, requires health benefit plans to provide maternity care benefits no less favorable than those for physical illness. It ensures coverage for home births and births at birthing centers under qualified healthcare supervision. The Department of Health and Human Services must ensure Medicaid beneficiaries have access to these services, with reimbursement at 90% of the average commercial rate. The State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees is appropriated $150,000 for incentives to increase access to birthing center care, aiming for cost savings.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
Rules and Operations of the Senate Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DDDDDD
6
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Mar 26, 2025

Senate

Passed 1st Reading

Mar 26, 2025

Senate

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate

Mar 25, 2025

Senate

Filed