2 years ago

If passed, the Build Back Better Act (BBBA) would include several provisions to improve maternal health, particularly for people of color. A new KFF Policy Watch explains the different provisions, their potential impact on parents and children, as well as the projected federal costs of these proposals. From expanding Medicaid postpartum coverage to establishing a national paid family leave policy, the BBBA could provide more support to states and community organizations working to improve maternal health.

Some key provisions include:

• Medicaid postpartum coverage extension: The BBBA would extend the postpartum period from 60 days to 12 months and would temporarily close the coverage gap.
• Maternal health homes: The BBBA would give states an increase in the federal match of 15 percentage points for two years if they deliver care through maternal health homes.
• Addressing inequities: The BBBA would authorize about $1billion in grants that would focus on improving maternal and infant health for people of color.
• Paid leave: Paid leave has been associated with improved mental and physical health for new parents and infants. The BBBA proposes four weeks of paid family and medical leave annually.