WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), co-founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, applauded today’s announcement from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that an estimated 8,700 postpartum New Jerseyans will be guaranteed to maintain their Medicaid coverage for 12 months after the end of the pregnancy. This important step will help New Jersey to provide pregnancy-related care with the goal of preventing unnecessary postpartum-related illness and death.

Today’s announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to address the nation’s crisis in pregnancy-related deaths and to improve the health outcomes among underserved communities through access to critical care. The announcement comes on the heels of two major victories for maternal health: the passage of the state-level California Momnibus Act, which was signed into law earlier this month; and the inclusion of critical investments in maternal health in today’s Build Back Better framework. Both the California Momnibus and the Build Back Better Act’s maternal health provisions were inspired by the Black Maternal Health Momnibus, a package of bills introduced by Congresswomen Adams and Lauren Underwood (IL-14). 

“I’m overjoyed to hear that more moms will be covered by Medicaid, because we know Medicaid expansion is a critical part of solving our country’s maternal health crisis,” said Rep. Adams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. “The Biden-Harris Administration is making critical investments in healthcare for moms, babies, and Black parents, including in today’s Build Back Better framework. With the inclusion of the vast majority of our landmark Momnibus legislation, today’s Build Back Better framework makes historic investments in the health and care of moms. It is nothing short of a game-changer for Black mothers as well as every parent bringing a child into the world. I am so proud to see the Biden-Harris Administration lifting up the voices of Black women and creating a world where maternal justice and equality are a reality.”

“As a Black mother and grandmother, take it from me: <…….

Source: https://adams.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/adams-applauds-major-victories-maternal-health