WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Health Subcommittee Republican Leader Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX) released the following statement on bipartisan bills to improve maternal health that advanced during the full committee markup.
“These bipartisan bills further this Committee’s mission to address maternal mortality and improve the health outcomes in expectant or new mothers. Last Congress, President Trump signed bipartisan legislation into law from this Committee to advance maternal health, and we are building on that progress today. We are moving forward with legislation to improve rural access to maternal health services, strengthen America’s maternal health care workforce, and enhance coverage for pregnant and postpartum women in the Medicaid and SCHIP programs. We look forward to moving these bills through the House, and commend our colleagues for their commitment to working across the aisle on this critical issue," said Walden and Burgess
Background:
The Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the following bills to the House
H.R. 4996, Helping MOMS Act, introduced by Energy and Commerce Reps. Burgess (R-TX), Carter (R-GA), Rodgers (R-WA), and Kelly (D-IL): enhances coverage for pregnant and postpartum women in the Medicaid and SCHIP programs by giving states the option of covering pregnant and postpartum women for a year instead of 60 days.
H.R. 4995, Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act, introduced by Energy and Commerce Reps. Bucshon (R-IN), Latta (R-OH), and Engel (D-NY): combines the provisions of the following bipartisan bills:
* H.R. 4215, Excellence in Maternal Health Act, introduced by Energy and Commerce Rep. Bucshon (R-IN): authorizes grants to identify, develop, and disseminate maternal health quality best practices, supports training for health professionals, and authorizes grants for operating innovative evidence-based programs that deliver integrated services to pregnant and postpartum women.
* H.R. 4243, Rural MOMS Act, introduced by Energy and Commerce Rep. Latta (R-OH): expands initiatives to address maternal health in rural areas by providing funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to establish rural obstetric networks for improving outcomes in birth and maternal morbidity.
