The New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) has issued a final regulation requiring New York commercial health insurance policies to cover maternal depression screenings, including screening for the mother under the child's policy.

In a statement, Linda A. Lacewell, the acting DFS superintendent, said, “This vital action ensures that as mothers tend to the health of their children, they will also receive access to the comprehensive, preventative healthcare they deserve.”

Under the new DFS regulation, all health insurance policies issued in New York will be required to include coverage for maternal depression screenings by both adult and pediatric primary care providers, as well as speedy referrals to treatment specialists. In accordance with the regulation, insurance policies that cover the child but not the mother must provide coverage for maternal depression screening, as a critically important preventative care intervention for the health of the child.