No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act
Key claim: The No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act (HR9996) would protect new mothers from unexpected out-of-network or surprise medical bills related to maternity care.
Abstract
(HR9996 · 119th Congress) Latest action (2026-07-30): Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Why this matters
If enacted, HR9996 would close a gap in the existing No Surprises Act framework by explicitly shielding new mothers from out-of-network charges tied to labor, delivery, and related maternity services — a category where patients frequently encounter unexpected bills from anesthesiologists, neonatologists, or ancillary providers. The practical effect for patients would be lower out-of-pocket exposure during a high-cost care episode, while insurers and hospitals would face additional balance-billing constraints. The bill is at the introduction stage and has been referred to three House committees, so no coverage or payment changes take effect yet.