Access to quality health care and coverage postpartum is not only critical to the health and well-being of the new mother, but also that of their newborn.
Kim Moser
Kentucky Youth Advocates has applauded the House Health and Family Services Committee for recognizing that imperative with passage of House Bill 174, sponsored by Representative McKenzie Cantrell and House Health and Family Services Committee Chair Kim Moser.
“Postpartum is a vulnerable time for new mothers and their baby, and this is especially true for women on Medicaid, many of whom are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage just 60 days after the end of pregnancy,” said Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates.
“The reality is that half of maternal deaths are post-pregnancy and are overwhelmingly preventable. And in Kentucky, the rate of Black mothers dying within one year of giving birth is more than twice the rate for White mothers. HB 174 seeks to extend Medicaid eligibility for new mothers for up to 12 months postpartum so they can have continuous, uninterrupted access to health care.”
The group recognized Representative Cantrell and Chair Moser for championing this measure and called on the Kentucky House to support HB 174 and, as the state budget deliberations continue, to secure Medicaid funds to ensure new moms can access continuous, uninterrupted health care up to 12 months postpartum.
