Cortez Masto Introduces Legislation to Ensure Health CARE Access for Pregnant Women

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) introduced legislation to ensure women eligible for coverage through theAffordable Care Act(ACA) insurance marketplaces or for other individual or group health plan coverage can access affordable health care throughout their pregnancies.
TheHealthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine (MOM) Actwould establish a special enrollment period (SEP) for expectant mothers. Currently, marriage, divorce, having a baby, adoption, and changing jobs are considered qualifying life events that trigger an enrollment period. Becoming pregnant, however, is not considered a qualifying event. TheHealthy MOM Actwould change that.
“While pregnancy can be a joyous time, it also comes with unique health risks that deserve real attention,”said Senator Cortez Masto.“No mother should have to navigate those risks without access to the high-quality, affordable health care they need for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.”
“We have a responsibility to ensure pregnant women have access to the best health care. The Healthy MOM Act would trigger a special enrollment period so expectant mothers can get critical health care coverage for themselves and their baby, building on the example of my own state of Maryland. As Republicans try to rip away health care from Americans, including mothers, I’m proud to fight back and partner with Congresswoman Watson Coleman to expand access to affordable care for new mothers,”said Senator Alsobrooks.
TheHealthy MOM Actis endorsed by Chamber of Mothers, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, National Partnership for Women and Families, MomsRising, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and March of Dimes.
The full text of the bill can be foundhere.
Senator Cortez Masto has consistently fought to ensure all Nevadans can access high-quality, affordable health care. She has led efforts tolowerdrug costs for seniors,holdBig Pharma accountable, andexpandMedicare drug price negotiation. She has also championed legislation tostrengthenMedicare-funded behavioral health services andtelehealthservices, as well as protectaccessto ambulance services in rural and underserved areas.
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