Latta introduces bipartisan bill to improve outcomes for pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries

U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) on Feb. 25 introduced legislation that would make significant strides in helping states and healthcare providers save the lives of low-income expectant mothers, particularly those with at-risk pregnancies.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that two-thirds of deaths during pregnancy and childbirth are preventable,” Rep. Latta said. “We can and must do more so that no one else is losing their life during pregnancy and childbirth.” 

Rep. Latta is the original cosponsor of the bipartisan Supporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Act, H.R. 1350, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), to improve health outcomes for pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid by establishing best practices for maternal care providers and increasing information and resources to better monitor and treat at-risk pregnancies.

“The Supporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Act will help save lives by ensuring all expecting mothers have the care and resources they need to have a safe pregnancy,” said Rep. Latta.

If enacted, H.R. 1350 would create a diverse National Advisory Committee on Reducing Maternal Deaths, which would establish best practices for all Medicaid-covered maternal care providers and clinicians to screen, monitor and treat at-risk pregnancies; generate culturally competent materials to help inform pregnant women of potential risks during pregnancy, birth and postpartum; and identify best practices for tracking maternal mortality and morbidity trends, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Latta’s office.

H.R. 1350 also would require a report informing Congress on policies that may assist states in reducing maternal deaths, the summary says.

In December 2020, Reps. Latta and Kelly introduced the first Supporting Best Practices for Healthy Moms Act, H.R. 8958, which expired at the end of the 116th Congress.