Submitted by United States Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana
WASHINGTON (December 5, 2024) – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements applauding the U.S. Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation aimed at improving health care for expectant mothers. The bicameral Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act now awaits action in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Maternal mortality is preventable and far too common in Louisiana today,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Passing this bill through the Senate is one step closer to providing high-risk moms the comfort to stay in their homes while her physician remotely monitors her and her baby’s health.”
“Too many women across New Hampshire and our country face significant barriers to accessing regular prenatal and postpartum care – whether they live in rural communities, struggle with childcare, or juggle demanding work and family responsibilities,” said Senator Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation recognizes how medical technology can help bridge these gaps, making it easier for women to access remote monitoring tools that can help detect potential pregnancy complications early. I will continue working across the aisle to address our maternal health crisis and ensure that every woman receives the health care she needs.”
This legislation was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Thune (R-SD), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
The Connected MOM Act requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide coverage recommendations for remote devices such as those that can check for irregularities in blood pressure, blood glucose, and pulse rates which can be indicators of potential pregnancy complications. It also requires CMS to update state resources, such as state Medicaid telehealth toolkits, to correspond with the recommendations provided. The goal is to improve maternal and infant outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women.
