U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has introduced the Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine (MOM) Act, a proposal aimed at improving access to affordable maternity care health insurance for expectant mothers. The bill would allow women to enroll in health coverage when they become pregnant, expanding eligibility under both the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and other private plans.
Current federal rules recognize life events such as marriage, divorce, childbirth, adoption, or job changes as triggers for special enrollment periods. Pregnancy, however, is not included. Baldwin’s legislation seeks to change that by classifying pregnancy as a qualifying life event, enabling women to obtain health coverage earlier in their pregnancies.
“Every American deserves access to high-quality, affordable care, but for pregnant women, having comprehensive coverage is essential to set up mothers and babies for success,” Baldwin said. “Ensuring expecting mothers have access to the care they need to stay healthy and safe is something we all can support. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to address the maternal mortality crisis in Wisconsin and across the country.”
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, and the rate continues to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal deaths have increased by nearly 90 percent in recent years.
The Healthy MOM Act has gained support from several national organizations, including the Chamber of Mothers, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the National Partnership for Women and Families, MomsRising, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the March of Dimes. The legislation is led by Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and co-sponsored by more than a dozen senators.
In addition to this measure, Baldwin is championing other efforts to strengthen maternal health. She has introduced legislation to expand the maternity care workforce and diversify the perinatal health field as part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. Baldwin also sponsored the MAMA Act, which focuses on improving mental health and substance use support for pregnant women and new mothers.
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