On Thursday, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders introduced new legislation to enhance maternal health, especially for low-income families in Arkansas. The proposed changes involve the state’s Medicaid program and are expected to increase the budget by about $45 million each year.
The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act is a centerpiece of this initiative. It aims to provide immediate Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, allowing them to access prenatal care while their applications are being reviewed. The act also includes provisions for reimbursement of doulas and community health workers, as well as expanding Medicaid coverage for services like remote ultrasounds and blood pressure monitoring at an estimated cost of $7.44 million.
Governor Sanders emphasized the complexity of maternal health at a press conference, stating, “No single policy can address all the issues. This comprehensive approach is essential to make a real impact.”
Arkansas faces significant challenges in maternal and infant health, ranking high in both maternal and infant mortality rates. Reports show that over half of the births in the state are covered by Medicaid. Out of approximately 35,000 pregnancies each year, around 10,000 women do not visit a doctor until after the first trimester, and about 1,100 do not receive any medical attention until they are in labor.
Key features of the legislation include expanding Medicaid payments for up to 14 prenatal and postnatal visits, which is projected to cost around $12.2 million. Senator Missy Irvin, a supporter of the bill, described these changes as a significant step toward enhancing access to care during pregnancy.
The bill also proposes a 70% increase in reimbursements for deliveries and cesarean sections, totaling an investment of $25.7 million. This increase aims to attract more healthcare providers to join Medicaid, thereby improving access for mothers in need.
In March, Governor Sanders established a committee to explore ways to tackle poor maternal health outcomes in Arkansas. The proposed budget includes $13 million to implement recommendations from this committee, which focus on expanding telehealth services and improving transportation for pregnant women to make it easier for them to attend appointments.
While the legislation shows promise, some gaps remain. Arkansas is currently the only state not to extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care from 60 days to one year after birth. Governor Sanders has previously expressed that such an extension would be unnecessary due to other available health insurance options. She reiterated the importance of raising awareness about existing coverage.
Representative Ashley Hudson, the only Democratic co-sponsor of the bill, applauded its provisions for presumptive Medicaid eligibility. However, she voiced a desire for the bill to address the need for extended postpartum care as well.
In response to the ongoing maternal health crisis, House Minority Leader Andrew Collins has introduced his own bill advocating for one year of postpartum Medicaid coverage. This legislative proposal has yet to be discussed in committee.
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infant mortality,maternal health,maternal mortality,medicaid,pregnancy
