The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has announced a new grant program aimed at improving women's health coverage and access to critical health benefits. Nearly $9 million will be allocated to support women in 14 states and the District of Columbia.
The funds are intended to develop activities and educational campaigns addressing disparities in access to reproductive health care and maternal health outcomes. The Expanding Access to Women’s Health program includes grantees from Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
“While some try to prevent women from receiving health care, President Biden and Vice President Harris have remained laser-focused on improving access, particularly for reproductive and maternal care,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This Administration is improving and strengthening women’s health care. We will continue using every tool at our disposal to ensure that women can make the best health decisions for themselves and their families.”
HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm added: “Improving access to women’s health care, including reproductive and maternal care, saves countless lives. Nobody should have to navigate care deserts or travel great distances to receive essential services. The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on strengthening the resources available to women.”
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure emphasized the importance of women's healthcare: “President Biden and Vice President Harris issued a clear charge we’ve taken to heart at CMS: Women’s health care is a fundamental right. Reproductive health and maternity care are two essential threads of the healthcare safety net."
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been central in advancing these goals by protecting consumers and ensuring transparency in health insurance practices. The new grant program will support state efforts in implementing market reforms and consumer protections outlined in the Public Health Service Act.
For instance:
- Massachusetts will launch an outreach campaign to increase awareness of preventive health benefits.
- Mississippi will work with experts on examining women's health benefits within its essential health benefits benchmark plans.
- Pennsylvania will focus on awareness campaigns about preventive care including contraception.
These initiatives aim at reducing maternal mortality rates and improving overall well-being for women. Data shows significant racial disparities; Black women are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related conditions.
Today's announcement is part of broader efforts by CMS, HHS, and the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance healthcare quality for women. Actions include encouraging states to provide continuous postpartum coverage through Medicaid and CHIP programs. To date, 46 states plus D.C. have implemented this measure.
Each grantee under the Expanding Access to Women’s Health program must submit a work plan outlining specific milestones over a two-year period. CMS will oversee compliance with federal requirements while building a repository of best practices.
For more information on grantees visit CMS.gov.
