Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement by Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director, Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Today, we are celebrating unanimous passage of House Bill 174 by the Kentucky House of Representatives. HB 174, co-sponsored by Representatives McKenzie Cantrell and Kim Moser, will extend Medicaid eligibility for new mothers for up to 12 months postpartum so they can have continuous, uninterrupted access to health care.

Despite the increased risk of postpartum death and illness, nearly half of women do not receive routine care after birth, regardless of whether or not they experienced complications during pregnancy. HB 174 is good news for the health and well-being of new moms and their babies. We thank Representatives Cantrell and Moser for championing this measure and the Kentucky House for supporting its passage today. As HB 174 advances through the Kentucky General Assembly, we call on the Senate to support its passage and to secure Medicaid funds that ensure new moms can access continuous, uninterrupted health care up to 12 months postpartum as the state budget deliberations continue.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at 
www.kyyouth.org.