The American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11th, is not just another stimulus initiative for purchasing consumer goods like televisions or cars. It represents a significant advancement in access to affordable and quality healthcare for low-income individuals, particularly women relying on Medicaid, and enhances postpartum coverage. This legislation is poised to save lives—something that was notably overlooked by Republican senators, all of whom voted against the bill, seemingly shocked by its $1.9 trillion price tag rather than prioritizing the well-being of women and their families. The American Rescue Plan, often referred to as the COVID-19 relief bill, aims to benefit all Americans.
Addressing the Maternal Mortality Crisis
One of the most impactful aspects of this plan focuses on addressing the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. The Act allows states to provide extended, comprehensive postpartum coverage via Medicaid and CHIP for 12 months following pregnancy. This is a pivotal change, as women who qualify for Medicaid due to pregnancy will no longer lose their coverage merely 60 days post-birth; instead, they will retain it for the entire first year—a critical period for both mothers and their newborns. This extension is a true game changer.
With Medicaid being the largest provider of prenatal and postpartum care in the U.S., this bill aims to extend coverage to those who need it most, ultimately saving lives. The government’s Medicaid site illustrates the proportions of residents covered by Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP—key indicators of access to vital prenatal and postpartum services. Millions of individuals, particularly people of color, lack health insurance each year. The Affordable Care Act, a notable achievement of former President Barack Obama, made strides in covering those previously uninsured, leading to improved maternal health outcomes. Biden’s legislation builds upon the ACA, providing crucial support to numerous families.
The Struggles Faced by Black Women
The struggles faced by Black women, and their infants, in terms of survival are well-documented. This tragic narrative extends beyond low-income individuals, as illustrated by the case of Dr. Maya Thompson, who lost her life in 2017 after childbirth despite reporting health concerns to her doctors. The Affordable Care Act initially expanded Medicaid to impoverished individuals but left it to the states to decide on coverage expansion. States that chose to expand Medicaid experienced declines in infant mortality rates, while those that did not saw an increase.
Research indicates that in states where Medicaid was expanded, the rate of infant mortality for Black infants decreased at over twice the rate compared to non-expansion states. This improvement is likely attributed to enhanced access to healthcare services and family planning, allowing for better prenatal and postpartum care. Furthermore, a provision of the ACA permitting young adults to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26 has been linked to increased early prenatal visits and lower rates of preterm births.
A Step Toward Equitable Healthcare
In a time when the message of Black Lives Matter resonates through diverse communities, it’s clear that one piece of legislation cannot solve the systemic issues at hand. However, the American Rescue Plan represents a crucial effort to level the playing field and offer renewed hope to many families.
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