Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act of 2020

Floor Speech

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Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise to encourage my colleagues to support the Helping MOMS Act. This bipartisan legislation, which I authored together with my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would allow States to use their own funds to extend Medicaid coverage for new moms to the entire postpartum period of 1 year, which is the recommendation of medical professionals and experts. Right now, States must seek a waiver from the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand postpartum coverage beyond 60 days.

With Medicaid providing coverage for more than half of new American moms, expanding Medicaid would save lives. Study after study has proven this to be the case. This bill will help correct a hurdle that has existed for too many women.

Tragically, we know that our Nation's maternal mortality crisis, like so many public health challenges, is taking a disproportionate toll on African-American moms. Black moms die at 2\1/2\ times the rate of White moms. In my home State of Illinois, the disparity grows to six times. It is time for us to give new moms that opportunity to stay healthy by seeing their doctors.

On top of removing the waiver requirement, this bill also studies the availability of, access to, and success of doulas in providing care to moms before, during, and after birth within the Medicaid program.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a doula is a trained companion who, while not always a healthcare professional, supports mothers through the pregnancy process. Studies have shown that doulas are a powerful and cost-effective way to improve care delivery and prevent maternal death.

Before closing, I want to thank my colleagues from Texas and Washington for their leadership and support. Likewise, I would like to thank the more than dozen organizations that endorsed this legislation, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

While the Helping MOMS Act is a compromise and not as comprehensive as I had hoped, this is a major step forward that Congress can and should take in a bipartisan way to help save mothers' lives.

In 2020, starting or growing a family should never cost a woman her life, so I urge a ``yes'' on the Helping MOMS Act. It will help ensure healthy and happy moms, babies, and families across America.

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