What Happened?

State panels that review pregnancy-related deaths are pushing policy changes that could extend health coverage and mental health care for new mothers across the country. A new report from the federal watchdog agency ( U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO),that audits government programs, found that maternal mortality review committees in multiple states have already influenced state law on postpartum Medicaid coverage.

Representatives from five of the 10 selected committees said their states extended Medicaid coverage for certain women to 12 months postpartum based on committee recommendations.

This change comes on the heels of the Lindsay Clancy murder trial that landed in a mistrial. Clancy who faced three counts of first-degree murder, does not deny killing her children in 2023 but pleaded not guilty, with her lawyers arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis and should not be held criminally responsible.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

Nine of the 10 selected committees made recommendations to expand mental health and substance use screening, treatment referrals, and funding for care, areas where unintentional drug overdose and suicide rank among the leading causes of death among pregnant and postpartum women.

Nine of the 10 selected committees made recommendations to address those disparities, according to the report.

Both Sides, Now

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) plans to provide approximately $134 million to states and territories over a five-year funding cycle running from 2024 through 2029, with all 52 states and territories receiving funds, and representatives from five of the 10 selected committees said their states changed state laws to extend Medicaid coverage for certain women to 12 months postpartum based on committee recommendations, while nine committees made recommendations calling for expanded screening, treatment referrals, and increased funding for care access.

What Happens Next?

The CDC funding cycle runs through 2029.

The CDC has set a goal of eliminating preventable maternal deaths and collects data on how many recommendations are actually put into practice, monitoring committees through regular meetings, required reports, and site visits.

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