Keeping Current @ the Capitol - 2/4/2022
Hot Topics: PREGNANCY MEDICAID
This past Tuesday, the Georgia Senate Committee on Health and Human Services discussed SB338 to increase postpartum coverage under Medicaid from six months to one year following birth. Sen. Burke made a compelling statement regarding the importance of this bill which was followed by dynamic testimonies from HMHBGA, GA OBGyn Society, Voices for Georgia's Children, Georgia Quality Healthcare Association and the American Heaty Association - GA Chapter. Committee members unanimously supported the bill and now it will moves to the Rules Committee and then to the Senate floor for a vote. Click the link below to view to view the committee meeting recording.
CLICK HERE to watch.
BILLS TO WATCH
HB1092: Georgia Women's CARE Act: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to arrest by law enforcement officers generally, so as to revise provision relating to the arrests of pregnant women; to provide that women who have been arrested are offered pregnancy testing upon detention; to enact a provision regarding delayed sentencing for postpartum female inmates; to amend Article 1 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to inmate policies, so as to revise provisions relating to the treatment of pregnant and postpartum female inmates; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes
HB1013: Mental Health Parity Act: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 15, 20, 31, 33, 37, 45, and 49 of the O.C.G.A., relating to courts, education, health, insurance, mental health, public officers and employees, and social services, respectively, so as to implement the recommendations of the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
SB338: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to increase postpartum coverage under Medicaid from six months to one year following birth; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
HB864: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public assistance, so as to provide for the submission of a waiver request by the Department of Human Services to permit the recipients of certain public assistance benefits to use such benefits for the purpose of purchasing diapers or menstrual hygiene products if the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service makes such waiver available to states; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
HB825: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to provide for Medicaid coverage for medically necessary donor human milk; to provide for submittal of a state plan amendment or waiver request, if necessary; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
A Tool for Advocating: PROJECT 236
Project 236 is an advocacy tool that can be used to understand the state of maternal and infant health in your legislative district! Outcomes include rates of preterm birth, low birthweight, infant mortality, and prenatal care inadequacy. In this age of virtual advocacy, we hope that this can be used as a way to advocate for improved maternal and infant health in your own backyard.
How does your district compare to the state of Georgia overall? Is there an area where your Senate district is performing lower? Speak with your Senator about how comprehensive policies can address negative outcomes. Does your House district have outcomes that are better than the state of Georgia? Talk with your Representative about what they can do to make sure it stays that way or even improves. Fact sheets for all 236 of Georgia's legislative districts are available.
CLICK HERE to access Project 236
ONE WEEK AWAY: FREE VIRTUAL POLICY BRIEFING
| We invite you to join our 2022 Virtual Maternal and Infant Health Policy Briefing on February 10, 2022. During these unprecedented times, understanding the state of maternal and infant health in our State so that we can improve the health and well-being of our moms and babies is more important than ever. Attendees will explore maternal and infant health data to deepen their understanding and learn about policy priorities that, if adopted, would be pivotal in increasing health outcomes for moms and babies in our State. We will also hear from State policymakers about what they plan to tackle in the year ahead and how these issues may impact Georgia’s families. We hope you’ll join our community of advocates and changemakers! |
| CLICK HERE to register. |