We support House Bill 133 by Rep. Toni Rose because it would promote health for mothers and babies during the critical first year of a child’s life. Many medical issues and complications arise months after pregnancy. Pregnancy complications are a significant concern in Texas, leading to long-term health issues for mothers and babies, expensive hospital stays, and higher costs to Medicaid and the state.
This bill would allow mothers to keep Medicaid coverage for 12 months after pregnancy rather than just 2 months. This step would implement the top recommendation of the state’s Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Review Committee, improve access to medical and mental health care, address the costs of untreated postpartum depression in Texas, and support infants and toddlers during the critical early years of brain development, among other benefits.
Our full testimony to the Texas House Human Services Committee is below.
