MOM­MA’s Act

Kelly, Robin L.

Mothers and Offspring Mortality and Morbidity Awareness Act or the MOMMA's Act This bill establishes various programs and requirements to reduce maternal mortality. It also increases federal tobacco taxes and equalizes the tax treatment of different tobacco products. Specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) must provide technical assistance and best practices for collecting data, standardizing reporting, and preventing maternal mortality. The CDC must consult with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on this assistance. The bill also provides statutory authority for <ul> <li>CDC grants for state-based collaboratives to improve care immediately before and after birth and to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and</li> <li>a HRSA program to improve the quality and safety of maternity care.</li> </ul> Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish regional centers through health professional schools and training programs to educate health care providers about implicit bias and culturally competent care. In addition, the bill expands eligibility for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and other benefits for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Specifically, it <ul> <li>extends postpartum eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP for one year;</li> <li>provides coverage for oral health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals under Medicaid and CHIP; and</li> <li>extends postpartum eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children for two years.</li> </ul> HHS must also take steps to publicize the benefits available to pregnant and postpartum individuals under Medicaid and CHIP, and the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services must provide guidance on Medicaid coverage for doula services.