ENROLLED
2023 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 273
BY REPRESENTATIVE KNOX
A RESOLUTION
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health to amend the state Medicaid plan
for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to extend Medicaid coverage for
pregnant individuals on or before September 30, 2023.
WHEREAS, Louisiana has one of the highest maternal death rates in the country
with black and brown women experiencing pregnancy-related deaths at a rate that triples the
rate for white women; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana is one of eight states that received an "F" on the March of
Dimes Report Card; and
WHEREAS, women who are enrolled in Medicaid are at a higher risk for maternal
morbidity and mortality according to the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists with seventy percent of women reporting a health issue after delivery; and
WHEREAS, from forty-three days to one year after a pregnancy, pregnancy-related
deaths are more likely to occur.
WHEREAS, for every one maternal death, there are seventy maternal women who
experience illness or a disability that may shorten their life expectancy; and
WHEREAS, according to the National Institutes of Health, each severe maternal
illness may cost several thousands of dollars; and
WHEREAS, improving access to Medicaid by expanding postpartum care has been
associated with a fifty percent increase in the use of outpatient care, particularly for women
with severe maternal morbidity; and
WHEREAS, Louisiana can protect the reproductive health of women, reduce
readmissions, reduce maternal morbidity events, and reduce maternal mortality by covering
expenses for low-income families via Medicaid; and
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WHEREAS, maternal health should be a priority for this state because it would
reduce costs and improve the quality of life for Louisiana families in the long term.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Department of Health
to amend the state Medicaid plan for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to
extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals on or before September 30, 2023.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Medicaid pregnancy coverage extension
shall be equal to one hundred eighty-five percent or below the federal poverty level.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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