PA Women’s Health Caucus Applauds Medicaid Coverage Extension for Postpartum Individuals

PA Women’s Well being Caucus Applauds Medicaid Coverage Extension for Postpartum People today

Women’s Well being Caucus    February 25, 2022 | 4:41 PM

PHOENIXVILLE, Feb. 25 — The co-chairs of the Pennsylvania Women’s Wellness Caucus (WHC) hosted a push meeting currently at Tower Wellness in Phoenixville to applaud the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ determination to opt in our Medicaid program for postpartum folks.

“As a general public health pro, it is crucial that we prioritize our sources in ways that will guarantee greater wellbeing outcomes for all Pennsylvanians,” reported Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17 Montgomery/Delaware) and co-chair of the Women’s Wellness Caucus. “Birthing individuals can knowledge well being problems up to a person calendar year postpartum and over and above. By extending Medicaid protection to just one calendar year, we are bettering maternal mortality and morbidity, increasing childhood health results, and guaranteeing a nutritious begin for Pennsylvania households.”

As section of President Biden’s American Rescue Prepare, this offers a federal alternative for states to lengthen Medicaid coverage for postpartum persons from 60 days to 1 yr. The plan will begin on April 1, 2022 and be accessible for 5 years in Pennsylvania.

“It is really crystal clear that 60 days of postpartum coverage is not only insufficient, it truly is also hazardous,” mentioned Senator Judy Schwank (D-11 Berks) and co-chair of the Women’s Well being Caucus. “By extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 times to 12 months, Pennsylvania is seizing a important opportunity to address the shocking fee of postpartum morbidity and mortality we are looking at. Choose-In PA raises consciousness about this decision, which will definitely preserve lives, and encourages anyone to sign up for the Women’s Health Caucus in our battle to tackle the maternal mortality disaster with the urgency it justifies.”

“Along with my colleagues in the Women’s Health and fitness Caucus, I am grateful that Pennsylvania is having this important step in the suitable way by extending postpartum protection for Medicaid clients from the recent 60 times to a complete 12 months,” explained Representative Mary Jo Daley (D-148 Montgomery) and co-chair of the Women’s Well being Caucus.

“Extending Medicaid coverage to one yr postpartum will benefit all Pennsylvania people, specially individuals in communities of color wherever maternal mortality is appreciably far more commonplace,” explained Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-19 Chester) and member of the Women’s Overall health Caucus. “The to start with calendar year postpartum is a important time for new moms, mother and father, and toddlers. Expanded protection beneath Medicaid will not only conserve lives. It also indicates additional time and extra possibility to concentration on restoration from childbirth, psychological well being, preventative treatment, self-care, and general wellness as families change to the new roles, joys, and difficulties that come with a new baby.”

“As DHS seeks to enhance supports available to perinatal and parenting families, this extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage will assist new moms continue to obtain actual physical and behavioral wellness care vital to keep by themselves wholesome and their families on a route to superior health and fitness and properly-becoming,” mentioned DHS Senior Advisor Sara Goulet. “We can not go away moms alone for the duration of such a vulnerable and foundational time for their child’s and their have futures. Mothers, infants, and all mothers and fathers increasing little ones deserve more, and this is our opportunity to proceed to do better.”

“Statistics display that above 50 percent of the postpartum maternal fatalities materialize soon after the recent 60 working day Medicaid protection right after supplying birth,” mentioned Consultant Melissa Shusterman (D-157 Chester/Montgomery) and member of the Women’s Overall health Caucus. “Opting in to the Maternal Medicaid Extension made available via the American Rescue system is a basic way that we can tackle postpartum mortality deaths in Pennsylvania. This is a commonsense decision that will help save lives.”

“As an OBGYN, I have witnessed firsthand how a lapse in entry to professional medical treatment has an effect on women of all ages and households,” claimed Dr. Carlene Denis, MD, Phoenixville Healthcare facility Medical Employees President Elect and OB/GYN with Axia Women’s Wellness – Valley Forge. “Extending coverage can help fulfill our present maternal well being requires and guard our most susceptible. Moms simply cannot hold out.”

To find out more about this program, you can pay a visit to the Office of Human Services’ web page.

If you missed our press convention, perspective the livestream right here.

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