The Pennsylvania Department of Health will soon be required to track the health issues that mothers go through during pregnancy and birth, as part of an effort to address the state’s high maternal death rates. The General Assembly sent a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk last week that would require the Department of Health […]
5 takeaways from AP’s series on health disparities impacting Black Americans
Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States — 69.9 per 100,000 live births for 2021, almost three times the rate for white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2021 rate was a significant increase from the prior year. Black babies are also more likely to die, and also far […]
Pennsylvania doulas can now get funding to apply for a state certificate
A nonprofit collaborating with state agencies and lawmakers is trying to expand doula services. The goal is to reduce the state’s maternal mortality rate, especially in communities of color, where that rate tends to be higher. Doulas, who are non-medical professionals who provide emotional, physical and educational support to patients during pregnancy, are not part […]
Maternal mortality rates increased during 1st year of COVID pandemic: CDC
Maternal mortality rates in the U.S. rose during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial disparities that existed before the pandemic were perpetuated, according to a new report published Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report looked at data from the CDC’s National Centers for Health Statistics and compared 2020 rates to […]
State announces plans to extend Medicaid coverage period for new, expecting moms
Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration announced its plans Thursday to extend the health care coverage period for new and expecting moms eligible for Medicaid. “This allows us to provide mothers the care and guidance they need through an important and delicate period in their lives without the additional fear or anxiety of getting an unaffordable bill,” said […]
Wolf Administration announces expanding Medicaid coverage plan for postpartum mothers
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Wolf Administration announced its intent to extend postpartum coverage periods for mothers eligible for Medicaid because of pregnancy to one year. Joined by the Women’s Health Caucus, the Maternity Care Coalition and Pa. Health Access Network, they said the investment will help with the health and well-being of new mothers […]
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We're a non-partisan, statewide campaign with the goal of ensuring each mother and child in PA has the opportunity for affordable, quality health care access.
🚨Bill update🚨:
We’re excited to report that @RepCephas’ HB 1806 passed and is headed to the Governor’s desk! The bill will extend Medicaid coverage to doula services and create a Doula Advisory Board.
And @pablackmhc, @PAHumanServices announced this morning that a State Plan Amendment will be submitted to ensure Medicaid coverage for doula services. Thank you, @pablackmhc and @RepCephas, for your hard work to reduce maternal mortality in PA.