Help Improve Maternal Health in Rhode Island
Did you know that heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in new mothers in the U.S.? Over the last 20 years, severe pregnancy health problems have increased nearly 200%. That’s why we are working on vital maternal health legislation that would provide Medicaid coverage of Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) monitoring for pregnant and postpartum moms in Rhode Island.
High blood pressure in pregnant women increases risk for a heart or stroke event during the birthing process. In addition, women diagnosed with blood pressure disorders of pregnancy are at risk for heart disease and stroke later in life.
21 states currently cover SMBP monitoring for their entire Medicaid population. Providing coverage for pregnant and postpartum moms is an important first step for Rhode Island.