Rep. Marilyn Lands, a Democrat from Huntsville, has introduced a bill in Alabama that would provide presumptive health care to pregnant women through Medicaid. This bill, known as House Bill 89, has gained bi-partisan support and aims to extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant women for up to 60 days during the application process, allowing for immediate prenatal care.
Alabama currently has the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, with significant racial disparities, and high infant mortality rates. Lands hopes that by offering immediate care to pregnant women, the state can improve these rates and ultimately save money. The bill, estimated to cost around $1 million annually, could potentially save the state “tens of millions of dollars” by reducing preterm births.
The bill has nine co-sponsors, including four Republicans, who view the proposal as a way to improve maternal and infant mortality rates and consider it a “pro-life” bill. Public health officials have highlighted the lack of obstetrical services in rural communities as a contributing factor to increased mortality rates.
The bill has been assigned to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee as the legislative session begins. Lands believes the bi-partisan support for the bill stems from a universal desire to help mothers and infants in Alabama.
Overall, the bill aims to address the pressing issue of maternal and infant mortality in Alabama by providing immediate health care to pregnant women and ensuring better outcomes for mothers and babies.
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