Members of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus held a press conference at Chester County Hospital to discuss the importance of the Commonwealth’s plans to extend Medicaid coverage for all Pennsylvanians to one year after birth. Pictured (left to right): State Senator Judy Schwank, State Rep. Mary Jo Daley, State Senator Carolyn Comitta, State Senator Amanda Cappelletti, and State Rep. Morgan Cephas. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
WEST CHESTER – State Senator Carolyn Comitta was accompanied at Chester County Hospital by Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Meg Snead, heads of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus, and medical and health professionals to understand the importance of Pennsylvania’s plans to expand Medicaid coverage to be discussed for up to one year after birth for all Pennsylvanians.
Under the American Rescue Plan Act, states can extend Medicaid maternal postpartum coverage for up to one year after a baby is born, previously coverage was only available for 60 days.
The extended coverage would come into effect on April 1, 2022.
Senator Comitta, a member of the Women’s Health Caucus, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, highlighted the expansion as an opportunity to have a cross-generational impact on the future of postpartum individuals, families, babies, and young people.
“By taking the decision to expand Medicaid coverage in Pennsylvania, we are putting the health and wellbeing of families and children first. This is a significant opportunity to save lives, improve access to quality care and make new families successful, ”said Comitta. “The first year after birth is not only an important developmental phase for babies, but also an important time for parents to recover from birth and adjust to new roles and challenges.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recently announced its intention to complete the expansion, a historic investment in the health and wellbeing of future generations.
“We live in a country that embraces the value of life and opportunity for all people, but we cannot truly value life with rising maternal mortality rates. We have to do better, ”said Snead. “Extending Medicaid coverage to one year after the birth of a baby will help new mothers and other parents receive support at all levels as they move into parenting. We cannot leave mothers alone at such a vulnerable and fundamental time for their child’s future and their own future, and this will help give the support they deserve. “
The Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus leaders in attendance also emphasized the importance of raising awareness and support for enlargement. The bipartisan, bicameral faction of lawmakers is leading a nationwide #OptInPA campaign aimed at raising awareness of the benefits that expanded coverage through high quality and life saving maternal and postpartum services will bring.
“We all want Pennsylvania to be a place where mothers and babies thrive. However, far too many people in the Commonwealth are currently affected by postpartum morbidity and mortality. These problems will not go away unless we take serious steps to address the inequalities in our health care system. Postpartum morbidity and mortality are particularly common among those whose primary source of payment is Medicaid. Pennsylvania’s decision to extend Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months after birth is not only morally correct, it will ultimately save lives, ”said State Senator Judy Schwank, co-chair of the Women’s Health Caucus.
State Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti, co-chair of the Women’s Health Caucus said, “We must make a lasting commitment to expanding Medicaid to include postpartum people. This is an evidence-based policy that will save the lives of infants and new parents, and make things easier in an already difficult time. I look forward to working with strong advocates and allies in the fight for this enlargement as there is real support for this policy. “
State Representative Mary Jo Daley, co-chair of the Women’s Health Caucus said, “Access to quality health care is essential and during the pandemic we have skyrocketed maternal mortality rates across the country, particularly among minority communities. Participation is a historic investment in the birthing people, families and children of our Commonwealth. “
“People born in Pennsylvania are in desperate need of access to health care to improve maternal and child health, and this extension is an important step in the right direction,” said State Representative Morgan Cephas, co-chair of the Women’s Health Caucus. “I am grateful that the department recognizes the role it plays in managing this crisis and that it has deliberately taken steps to find solutions. The Wolf Administration in conjunction with the Women’s Health Caucus, medical professionals and activists can work together to implement the measures necessary for life-saving change for all families in Pennsylvania. “
Chester County Hospital directors and health professionals attending confirmed that expanded Medicaid coverage would enable better, higher quality health care for new mothers and babies. Insurance coverage would be expanded to provide medical care such as postpartum depression screening and treatment, breastfeeding support, preventive care, substance use disorder treatment, and access to family planning services for a full year after the birth.
Michael Duncan, President and CEO of Chester County Hospital, said, “Many of us know the difficulties mothers face, especially new mothers. If you have the choice of caring for yourself or caring for your child, the latter always takes precedence. Having access to medical care for 12 months after giving birth gives many women in our community the option of not having to choose between the two. This proposed expansion could improve health outcomes and increase equity in access to health care, in line with the mission and values of Chester County Hospital. “
“Prenatal care doesn’t end with delivery; it extends beyond hospitalization,” said Eduardo Mercurio, MD, FACOG, co-chair, Obstetrics / Gynecology Department, Chester County Hospital. “Our patients from low- and low-income communities, especially black communities, are disproportionately affected by a lack of access to adequate health care. Extending this assistance beyond 60 days is critical for many of our patients and will certainly have a positive effect on their overall health. “
Frances Doyle, MSN, RN, CNML, Director, Maternal Child Care, Chester County Hospital added, “The fourth trimester is important to a woman’s lifelong health. There is significant current research focusing on the importance of ongoing care for a new mom, and the proposed program would enable many disadvantaged women to have access to the resources and treatment necessary for optimal results. “
According to a 2018 report, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among 10 similar nations. Maternal mortality data for 2019 released earlier this year shows the trend is increasing – up to 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births from 17.4 per 100,000 in 2018, and maternal mortality is lower in black women compared to white and Latinx Women much more often.
More information about the DHS’s health justice and health innovation work, the postnatal expansion of Medicaid, and the maternal and child health programs available throughout Pennsylvania is available online.
source https://www.bisayanews.com/2021/09/13/comitta-backs-plan-to-extend-medicaid-coverage-daily-local/
No comments:
Post a Comment