Caring for Mothers Act of 2025

This legislation, titled the "Caring for Mothers Act of 2025," seeks to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance health insurance access for individuals placing their newborns for adoption. It enables an individual enrolled in a group health plan or health insurance coverage who intends to adopt a child to request that the birth mother, referred to as a qualifying individual , be enrolled in their plan. This request requires attestations from both the prospective adoptive parent and the birth mother regarding their intent for the adoption to proceed. The coverage provided to the qualifying individual is specifically limited to pregnancy-related and postpartum care , as well as mental health and substance use disorder services . This coverage begins on the first day of the month after the request is received and can last up to one year after the child's birth, or until terminated by either party or the adoptive parent's coverage ends. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not mandate the adoption to be effectuated nor does it impose penalties if the adoption does not occur, with the provisions taking effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.