Melissa Minor-Brown
- Democratic
- Representative
- District 17
Primary
This Act requires the Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance to take the necessary steps to expand Medicaid coverage to pregnant women from the current coverage of 60-days from the end of pregnancy under federal Medicaid regulations to 12 months from the end of pregnancy. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women receiving Medicaid benefits cannot be dropped so comprehensive medical care and other health care services have continued beyond 60 days until 12 months after the end of pregnancy by virtue of the federal Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists. This Act would continue that coverage after the Determination is not renewed. In the event that coverage under the Determination ends before the State Plan Amendment is approved, the State will be obligated to provide the cost of coverage for services provided to pregnant women during the period from 60 days until 12 months after pregnancy ends. Insurance coverage is a critical factor in determining women’s access to affordable postpartum care and is a key strategy for reducing preventable maternal mortality. Extending the period postpartum during which insurance coverage is available will help close the disparity in the maternal morbidity and mortality rate, improve access for preventive services and comprehensive care for chronic conditions, including behavioral health, and accordingly, improve the overall health outcomes among Black women and women of other races.
Signed by Governor
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
Reported Out of Committee (Finance) in Senate with 2 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 4 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits
Passed By House. Votes: 39 YES 2 ABSENT
Amendment HA 1 to HB 234 - Passed In House by Voice Vote
Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate
Amendment HA 1 to HB 234 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 3 Favorable, 2 On Its Merits
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 7 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
| Bill Text Versions | Format |
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| Bill Text | PDF HTML |
| HA 1 to HB 234 | HTML PDF |
| Document | Format |
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| Fiscal Note |
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