Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Postpartum is a vulnerable time for new mothers and their baby, and this is especially true for women on Medicaid, many of whom are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage just 60 days after the end of pregnancy. Kentucky is one step closer to extending that coverage with today’s passage of House Bill 174 by the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. This is notably important knowing that parents’ health and access to health insurance coverage affects the health and well-being of their children.

We thank Representatives McKenzie Cantrell and Kim Moser for championing HB 174 to extend Medicaid eligibility for new mothers for up to 12 months postpartum so they can have continuous, uninterrupted access to health care. We are also glad to see a provision added to support pregnant mothers in receiving addiction treatment care before they leave the hospital. Thank you to Chairman Alvarado and members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee for ensuring the passage of this bipartisan measure today.

As HB 174 advances, we now call on the full Senate’s support. As the state budget deliberations continue, we urge the Conference Committee to maintain Medicaid funds and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to honor their commitment to ensure new moms can access this critical, uninterrupted health care during their child’s first year of life.

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.