Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Women’s Health Caucus visits Phoenixville Hospital to tout DHS opt-in

Women’s Health Caucus visits Phoenixville Hospital to tout DHS opt-in

Rep. Morgan B. Cephas    February 28, 2022 | 11:15 AM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas joined Sens. Amanda Cappelletti and Carolyn Comitta, and Rep. Mary Jo Daley on Friday for a news conference at Phoenixville Hospital to discuss Opt In PA, a move from Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration to improve postpartum care by extending Medicaid support from 60 days to one year.

“Medicaid opt-in sounds technical, but health care heroes like the ones at Phoenixville know that it means extra care for those who need it most,” Cephas said. “Many thanks to the providers there supporting birthing people and families, who understand that Medicaid opt-in can mean important changes in the lives of so many Pennsylvanians who need the care.”

Cephas is an ardent fighter for improved maternal health care in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth. Cephas has introduced a series of legislation (H.Bs. 1173-1176), which would also extend Medicaid coverage to doula services while also creating a Doula Advisory Board; require implicit bias training for health care professionals; and categorize maternal morbidity as a reportable event for better tracking of the issue. 

The United States ranks amongst the highest in maternal mortality – a statistic that rings especially true for women of color. Those who are surrounded by a network of support before, during, and after pregnancy often report better mental and physical health outcomes. A part of the sad reality is that many parents navigate parenthood alone, leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed by some of the most drastic changes in their lives. Communities of color continue to report higher maternal and infant mortality rates even when factors like education and income level are controlled.

“While there's still much more we need to do, opting in to Medicaid extension for Pennsylvania is an important step in the right direction,” Cephas said. “I look forward to the April 1 implementation and continuing the work beyond then to improve health outcomes for families across our commonwealth."

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