Congress mandates free mental health care for pregnant women—at a cost
S. 3698 — Mental Health and MAMA Act of 2026 · Filed by Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) · 3 cosponsors · Introduced Jan 27, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill requires health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals with zero cost-sharing (no copays, deductibles, or coinsurance) from the diagnosis of pregnancy through one year after delivery. The requirement applies to group and individual health plans, and takes effect two years after enactment. Pregnant and postpartum people benefit by gaining free access to mental health care during a critical period; insurers and employers bear the cost of providing these services.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core function is a straightforward insurance mandate requiring zero cost-sharing for mental health services during pregnancy and the postpartum year. It is a public-health protection measure, not a tax provision, deregulation, or narrow carve-out.
What the text implies
- The one-year postpartum window may create a coverage cliff: individuals lose free mental health access on day 366 postpartum, potentially interrupting ongoing treatment for postpartum depression or substance use disorder.
- The bill applies only to in-network providers, leaving out-of-network mental health care subject to cost-sharing; pregnant individuals in rural or underserved areas with limited in-network options may face barriers.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
mental health providers and clinics; substance use disorder treatment facilities; telehealth mental health platforms