Health insurance; coverage for maternal mental health screenings.

This legislation expands health insurance protections in Virginia by requiring coverage for maternal mental health screenings. Under the new mandate, health benefit plans must cover screenings for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during the prenatal and postpartum periods. By ensuring these screenings are treated as essential services, the bill aims to improve early detection and intervention for maternal mental health conditions, which can significantly impact long-term family well-being. For Arlington families, this means more accessible preventative care during pregnancy and the year following birth, reducing financial barriers to necessary psychological support. This move aligns with state efforts to address maternal health outcomes, ensuring that new parents have better access to the clinical tools needed to support their mental health during a critical life transition.