Article Summary –
Democratic lawmakers have introduced the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable (MAMA) Act in the US House of Representatives and Senate, which aims to make mental health and substance use disorder care more accessible during and after pregnancy, without charging any co-pay. The legislation has been driven by the recognition of a maternal mortality crisis in Wisconsin and seeks to remove cost as a barrier to treatment. The bill has gained support from several advocacy groups, though no Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors, and is now being reviewed by committee.
Democratic Lawmakers Introduce Bills to Improve Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care for Pregnant Individuals
A pair of bills proposed in the Senate and the House by Democratic lawmakers aim to make mental health and substance use disorder treatments more accessible and affordable for people during and after pregnancy.
Launched by Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Gwen Moore, and other Democratic lawmakers, the Mental Health and Making Access More Affordable (MAMA) Act mandates health insurance plans covering mental health and substance use services to do so without co-pays during pregnancy and the first postnatal year.
“Wisconsin is facing a maternal mortality crisis. We must support new and expecting mothers and their babies,” Baldwin stated in a press release. Moore added that making mental care and substance use treatment more accessible and affordable is key to addressing the maternal health crisis.
Rep. Mark Pocan, also a Wisconsin Democrat, is among the 20 original co-sponsors. No Republicans have endorsed the bill so far.
In a fact sheet, Moore highlighted the severe risk of untreated mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum women, especially those living in poverty, and the necessity for affordable treatment.
Various advocacy groups, such as the National Partnership for Women & Families, have endorsed the bill. President Jocelyn Frye of the group emphasized the essential nature of affordable mental health care, especially for mothers from low-income backgrounds and women of color.
Other supporters include the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and the Meta House, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit substance use disorder treatment provider.
Currently, both versions of the bill have been referred to committee for further action.
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