Postpartum Depression Care Act Passes as Part of Broader Healthcare Bill

On the final day of the 2020 session, the General Assembly passed legislation to help diagnose postpartum depression and provide expanded benefits for its treatment. The "Postpartum Depression Act", sponsored by Senator Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur), requires medical facilities that provide labor and delivery services to provide a questionnaire and information on postpartum depression to new mothers and their spouses. It also extends mental health coverage for postpartum depression through MO HealthNet to twelve months after giving birth.

While Senator Schupp's standalone bill, SB 788, stalled in committee this year, she was able to add its language as an amendment to another bill. HB 1682, sponsored by Representative David Wood (R-Versailles), started as a bill to prohibit vapor product usage in public schools and on school buses. However, when it was debated in the Senate, multiple amendments were added, including the "Postpartum Depression Act." The MCC has testified in support of this legislation the last two years.