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ARTICLES:
Ian M. Paul, Erik B. Lehman, Christopher S. Hollenbeak, and M. Jeffrey Maisels
Preventable Newborn Readmissions Since Passage of the Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act
Pediatrics 2006; 118: 2349-2358 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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[Read eLetters] Newborn 48/96 hour insurance coverage
Yvonne Sainsbury   (5 January 2009)

Newborn 48/96 hour insurance coverage 5 January 2009
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Yvonne Sainsbury,
Insurance Examiner
None

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Re: Newborn 48/96 hour insurance coverage

ysainsbury{at}earthlink.net Yvonne Sainsbury

NMHPA provides for a hospital length of stay of 48/96 for both the mother and baby. It does not state that the insurer must cover the cost of the baby's stay if the baby is not enrolled. It only provides that the baby must be permitted the same 48/96 hour length of stay as the insured mother, (regardless of who ends up paying the baby's bill).

What is the basis for the statement in "Pediatrics" that the law "guarantees insurance coverage for a minimum hospital stay"? The implication in the statement is that it applies to both the mother and baby.

I would appreciate any confirmation from an authoritative source that the baby must be covered for the 48/96 hours, whether or not enrolled.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared