The American Rescue Plan, enacted by President Joe Biden on March 11, is not merely a chance for individuals to purchase new electronics or make a car down payment. It represents a significant opportunity for low-income individuals, particularly women on Medicaid, to access affordable and quality healthcare, including postpartum coverage. This initiative is poised to save lives—something that appears to be overlooked by Republican senators, as none voted in favor of the bill. Their focus seems to be on the $1.9 trillion cost rather than the lives of women. Supporting women ultimately benefits society as a whole, making the American Rescue Plan, often referred to as the COVID-19 relief bill, a win for all Americans.
This legislation is especially beneficial for low-income women on Medicaid. As stated by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the plan addresses the nation’s maternal mortality crisis by allowing states to offer comprehensive postpartum coverage through Medicaid and CHIP for 12 months following pregnancy. This means that women eligible for Medicaid during their pregnancy will not lose their coverage immediately after giving birth. Previously, Medicaid was only guaranteed for 60 days post-delivery; now, it will extend for an entire year, a crucial period for both mothers and infants. This is a transformative change.
The plan will expand Medicaid coverage to those who need it most, directly impacting the health outcomes of these women and their babies. In the U.S., Medicaid stands as the largest provider of prenatal and postpartum care. An informative graph on the government’s Medicaid website illustrates the percentages of residents covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP, highlighting who is eligible for prenatal and postpartum care. This bill is indeed a turning point.
Each year, millions lack health insurance, with people of color disproportionately affected. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), a hallmark of former President Barack Obama’s administration, aimed to provide insurance to those previously uninsured, thereby improving maternal health outcomes. Biden’s legislation serves as an extension of the ACA, promising to support countless families.
The challenges faced by Black women and their infants are well-documented. Tragically, many stories illustrate the disparities in maternal health. One such case is the untimely death of Dr. Linda Bennett, who passed away in 2017 after childbirth, despite reporting ongoing health issues to her doctors. Her story exemplifies systemic flaws in maternal healthcare that need urgent attention.
While the ACA expanded Medicaid coverage for impoverished individuals, it also left the decision to extend coverage to states. States that embraced this expansion saw a decline in infant mortality rates, whereas those that did not experienced an increase. Research from the Center for American Progress indicates that in states with expanded Medicaid, the infant mortality rate for Black infants dropped more than twice as fast as in non-expansion states, suggesting that improved access to healthcare significantly contributes to better outcomes.
As the Black Lives Matter movement resonates across communities, it’s clear that no single bill can address the myriad issues in our healthcare system. However, the American Rescue Plan is a step towards leveling the playing field and providing many individuals a second chance at life.
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Summary:
The American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden, significantly enhances maternal healthcare by extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, a critical improvement for low-income women. This plan aims to address maternal mortality, especially among Black women, and is a step towards equitable healthcare. The legislation reflects a commitment to improve health outcomes for mothers and infants, emphasizing the importance of access to quality care.