Disability Coverage for Childbirth

The Bureau of Insurance issued guidance which states that, effective July 1, 2021, newly issued short-term disability policies must pay benefits for a full 12 weeks immediately following childbirth. There can be no exclusion or waiting period applied. The Bureau clarified that the mandate will not apply to renewed short-term disability policies or long-term disability policies.

Employers sponsoring short-term disability plans will want to familiarize themselves with this policy and work with their carrier to implement it.

Bureau of Insurance Memo »