The Mamas First Act would allow Medicaid reimbursement for prenatal, delivery and postpartum care from doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives and lactation support providers

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich is cosponsoring legislation that would expand Medicaid coverage for care provided by doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives and lactation support providers.

The Mamas First Act would amend the Social Security Act to allow those providers to receive Medicaid reimbursement for prenatal, delivery and postpartum care.

Heinrich said the proposal could be particularly significant in New Mexico, where more than half of births are covered by Medicaid.

“By expanding access to trusted providers like doulas, midwives, Tribal midwives, and lactation support professionals, this legislation can help make sure mothers get the care they need,” Heinrich said. “That’s especially important in New Mexico, where more than half of all births are covered by Medicaid.”

The bill would also seek to expand access to care in underserved communities and connect mothers and babies with culturally competent, patient-centered services.

Heinrich said the legislation could improve access in rural and Tribal communities before, during and after childbirth.

The bill was reintroduced by Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Cory Booker of New Jersey, along with several House members.

Supporters say expanded access to doulas, midwives and other maternal health providers can reduce cesarean deliveries, decrease maternal anxiety and improve communication between patients and health care providers.

The legislation is also cosponsored in the Senate by Alex Padilla of California, Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois.