Press Release from Doug Smith
One of the last things the Alabama Legislature did this Session was pass a pilot program for postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers and newborns. Prior to this innovation, Alabama stood third from the bottom in the nation, only ahead of Arkansas and Kentucky in this metric.
Alabama’s new extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage should reduce maternal mortality and improve health for families across the state, Legislators said. It will result from the fiscal year 2023 General Fund budget that Governor Kay Ivey signed into law April 7, 2022, which includes $8.5 million to bolster postpartum care and reduce maternal mortality rates.
Dr. Bob Beshear of Montgomery, Alabama, through his diligent efforts had Alabama’s infant mortality rate at one time below the national average. After “Doctor Bob,” as his young patients affectionately called the pediatrician before he retired, Alabama’s infant mortality rate started creeping up again. It would be a fitting tribute to call the new legislation “Dr. Bob’s Law” in honor of his years of dedicated work. The Governor could do it with the stroke of a pen.
The funds made available by the Legislature will extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers in Alabama, providing them access to life-saving health care for 12 months post-partum. Presently, mothers on Alabama Medicaid lose their coverage and access to care just 60 days after childbirth.
As we have seen Alabama has the nation’s third-worst maternal death rate. Each year, nearly 40 new mothers in the state die within one year after delivery. The toll on Black mothers is nearly three times that of white moms. This article’s writer is a white male, but lost his mother at a little over six months of age for lack of a simple sulphur drug.
Mountain Valley News (MVN) is your trusted source for weekly hometown news, serving the vibrant communities of DeKalb and Jackson Counties in the heart of Alabama. We're here to bring you the latest stories, events, and happenings, all available conveniently both online and in print.
At MVN, we believe that community engagement is essential. We want to hear from you, our valued readers! Share your opinions, insights, and thoughts on our articles by adding a comment below each story. Your perspective matters, and your comments contribute to the rich tapestry of discussions in our community.
Together, we can foster meaningful conversations and build a stronger sense of community. Join us in shaping the narrative of DeKalb and Jackson Counties. Your voice is important, and we look forward to reading your comments. Let's make our community news a truly interactive experience!
Have a story idea or a topic you'd like to see covered? Feel free to suggest it in the comments or reach out to our dedicated team. We're here to serve you, and your feedback helps us tailor our content to your interests and needs.