S 6494 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Requires health insurance policies to include coverage for doula services as required coverage for maternity care

This bill requires all health insurance policies in New York to cover doula services as part of mandated maternity care. It directly affects health insurers and policyholders by adding doulas (non-medical birth support professionals) to the list of covered services alongside hospital stays and midwife care. The key provision amends insurance law to mandate that maternity coverage includes doula services for at least 48 hours post-birth (or 96 hours for C-sections), without duplicating physician or midwife services already provided. This applies to all new, renewed, or modified policies issued 180 days after the law takes effect.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Assembly Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 14, 2025 Last action Apr 29, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Apr 29, 2026

How they voted

571
Passed · 5 other
Total votes 63
Apr 29, 2026
D Democratic41
38 Yea 3
92% Yea
R Republican22
19 Yea 1 Nay 2
86% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
1
Committee
4
Apr 29, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO INSURANCE
lower
Apr 29, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO WOMEN'S ISSUES
upper
Jun 13, 2025
Committee
COMMITTED TO RULES
upper
Mar 14, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO WOMEN'S ISSUES
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors