A new bill in Congress could reshape maternal care for women across the country.
The HEALTH for MOM Act would fund state efforts to build more coordinated, accessible and responsive care for pregnant and postpartum women who are insured through Medicaid programs. With one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the developed world — 80% of which are preventable, the United States faces an urgent need for action.
Support for States to Reach Underserved Communities
Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments to provide health care for low-income people, pregnant women and young children.
While Medicaid covers nearly half of all births, policymakers recognize that the program could improve the way it provides prenatal and postpartum services. For many women, particularly those in rural areas, fragmented care contributes to dangerous delays and missed diagnoses.
By promoting flexibility and innovation, the HEALTH for MOM Act would allow state and local providers to tailor care to the needs of prenatal and postpartum moms in their community.
For populations with less access to routine care, support might include telehealth or transportation assistance to a clinic. In diverse communities, it may be that implementing culturally responsive care models are a higher priority. Regardless of location, for pregnant women and new moms, investments like these can be a lifeline during a beautiful but often challenging period.
Medical Homes Make a Difference
Despite the country’s abundance, too many mothers die from conditions that could have been prevented with timely, coordinated care. From postpartum hemorrhage to hypertension and eclampsia, the risks are well-known, but care remains fragmented.
In an effort to reverse that reality, the new bill would also support states’ efforts to establish maternal health homes that offer wraparound maternity services, preventive care and health screenings with a focus on continuity and coordination. Individualized care planning and support for follow-up are correlated with fewer emergency department visits and better long-term outcomes.
By supporting state-led efforts to meet local needs, the HEALTH for MOM Act aims to improve outcomes for expectant and new mothers on Medicaid, by enhancing access to maternity services in ways local needs demand. This is legislation that can reduce maternal risk, save lives and strengthen families; it’s worth supporting.
