Bridging the Gap in Maternal Health: Indiana’s Next Steps in Postpartum Policy

Several years ago, with the help of our American Heart Association Heart Powered advocates, Medicaid postpartum coverage was extended from 60 days to 12 months, ensuring that new mothers received care during the most vital times. However, that extension of care did not mandate holistic care for mothers.

While the legislative session has not yet started in Indiana, interim committees composed of state lawmakers have begun holding hearings on pressing issues affecting Hoosiers. One such committee focusing on the health of Hoosiers met recently to discuss postpartum care for new mothers, specifically mental health screenings, in an effort to identify and treat postpartum depression.

In the interim committee, a bill from last session that had not previously received a hearing was discussed. The bill would mandate that a new mother be seen within 60 days after giving birth and include mental health screenings for the mother at the baby’s well-child screenings.

Testimony was heard from a psychiatrist offering insight into postpartum depression, and the large number of new mothers it affects. Other testimonies noted that the maternal mortality rate for new mothers in Indiana is one of the worst in the country, and that about 80% of maternal mortalities are preventable.

Lawmakers appeared to be open to hearing and discussing the issues faced by new parents in the Hoosier state. This committee will continue to meet this month, and we will be back to update you on the progress that is made.

If you have questions, ideas, feedback—please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Indiana GRD Christina Cesnik at [email protected].