Georgia’s consistently high maternal mortality rate has had lawmakers on both sides of the aisle looking for answers. A House study committee spent much of the summer looking for ways to curb the numbers, especially when it became clear through studies that about two-thirds of these fatalities in Georgia happen in the weeks and months after mothers give birth. The study also showed that African Americans, rural residents and women over 35 are particularly vulnerable.
The solution they came up with was HB 1114 — which was sponsored by Representative Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta) — and extends the duration of postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers from two months to six months.
When Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill into law recently members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus called it “a victory we can all celebrate because it will narrow the maternal mortality disparity rate and help save lives.”
Cooper agreed, saying she felt the bill would “go a long way in the fight.”
Budget writers also included funds in the FY21 budget for this bill. Even in a lean budget year which saw cuts of about 10 percent across the board, the FY 21 Budget included $19.7 million to fully fund six months of Medicaid coverage for low-income mothers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed what many of us already know: Georgia needs to invest in the equitable provision of healthcare,” said State Representative Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC). “According to a New York Times article, African American women die of pregnancy-related causes at a rate of about three times higher than those of white women. Too many of our neighbors, friends and family suffer needlessly due to lack of affordable health insurance or access to medical service. The passage of HB 1114 is a good first step, but more needs to be done.
“The GLBC supports progress; however, it is important to acknowledge the hard work of the members of the GLBC and other community activists that led to the successful passage of HB 1114 being realized.”
The final version of House Bill 1114 authorizes the Department of Community Health to seek a Section 1115 Medicaid waiver with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to allow Georgia to extend the duration of postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers. Included in this legislation is a provision for lactation care and services for expectant and new mothers, as well as children who are nursing. Under the amended version of the bill, this law would become effective only upon the effective date of a specific appropriation of funds by the General Assembly.
