# Plain Language Summary: The MOMMIES Act

This bill extends health insurance coverage for low-income pregnant and postpartum women through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Currently, these programs typically cover pregnant women for only 60 days after they give birth. The MOMMIES Act changes this to provide continuous coverage for a full year after pregnancy ends, and allows states to extend coverage even longer if they choose to do so.

The bill also requires that pregnant and postpartum women receive the full range of health benefits available under Medicaid and CHIP during this extended coverage period, not a limited set of services. This means they'd have access to all the same medical care as other eligible Medicaid recipients. Additionally, the bill adds dental care to the services that must be covered for pregnant and postpartum women, including preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental work—recognizing that oral health is important during and after pregnancy.

To make sure states actually implement these changes, the bill includes financial incentives. The federal government will pay 100 percent of the costs for the new coverage requirements through 2024, rather than the usual split where states pay a portion. The bill also prevents states from making their eligibility rules stricter or cutting benefits during this period. Finally, the bill requires a government study to identify gaps in coverage for pregnant and postpartum women, particularly for communities that face health disparities, and to recommend solutions for closing those gaps.

MOMMIES Act

Pressley, Ayanna

Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act or the MOMMIES Act This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) relating to maternal health. For example, the bill expands eligibility for coverage under Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to one year after the last day of pregnancy and requires such coverage to include oral health services. The bill also establishes a demonstration program in which states receive grants to implement or expand models for maternity care homes that provide services to Medicaid or CHIP beneficiaries. The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) gaps in coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for pregnant and postpartum women, and (2) the use of telehealth by state Medicaid programs to increase access to maternity care.