August 19, 2009
Health Care Reform Bill, H.R. 3200, An Important Step Toward Health Care Reform and Better Care for Women, Babies, Families and the Nation
Dear Friend,
Childbirth Connection is pleased to recognize the leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for passing a comprehensive health care reform bill, America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200). This bill takes a big step toward widening access to evidence-based maternity care that is safer and more effective than the prevailing style of care pregnant women experience in the U.S.
In particular, the bill will:
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Prohibit the use of pregnancy as a pre-existing condition by health insurance providers;
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Widen access to certified nurse-midwives by eliminating inequities in how they are reimbursed under Medicare;
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Measure and report publicly the performance of maternity care facilities and providers and use results to improve care;
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Pay for home visits by nurses for families during or after pregnancy by Medicaid;
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Expand access to primary maternity care by improving Medicaid coverage of freestanding birth centers;
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Provide incentives to maternity care providers under Medicaid to provide care to underserved women and their families.
This legislation goes a long way toward achieving our eight steps to reform maternity care. It also expands access to primary maternity care that supports a woman’s innate capacity for birthing, breastfeeding and attachment, avoids overuse of medical services, and gives priority to prevention and wellness.
On another note, we give heartfelt congratulations to Justice Sonia Sotomayor! Justice Sotomayor, confirmed as the 111th U.S. Supreme Court Justice, served on our board of directors in the 1980s when we were known as the Maternity Center Association.
Thank you for your continued support,
Maureen Corry
Executive Director
Childbirth Connection
Please donate now and help us keep the momentum going!
Connection endorses H.R.
3200 (PDF)
maternity care (PDF)
Labor" (PDF)
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