March of Dimes Responds to H.R. 1's Threat to Medicaid and Maternal Health
In a recent statement, March of Dimes voiced strong opposition to the passage of H.R. 1, a significant piece of legislation titled the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." The bill introduces several drastic changes to the Medicaid program, which may ultimately limit access to essential healthcare for pregnant women, infants, and low-income families. These changes are particularly alarming given that the United States is currently one of the most dangerous high-income countries for childbirth.
The implications of H.R. 1 extend beyond theoretical policy shifts; they represent a direct assault on the health and safety of millions. By transferring costs to state governments and imposing barriers to care such as work requirements and increased provider tax restrictions, the legislation threatens the fundamental safety net provided by Medicaid. For many pregnant women, especially those in low-income brackets, Medicaid is not simply a resource; it is their lifeline.
As Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, highlighted in her statement, the timing of these changes is particularly concerning as they come at a moment when states have only begun to implement critical programs such as the 12-month postpartum Medicaid extension. These initiatives aim to promote better maternal and infant health outcomes. However, with the restrictions enforced by H.R. 1, states may be forced to make painful choices about which healthcare services they can sustain or eliminate, jeopardizing foundational programs essential for maternal and infant health.
The bill’s potential effects on the healthcare landscape are pronounced. Among the most frightening outcomes is the risk of accelerating the closure of maternity wards and labor and delivery units, especially in areas that are already underserved. Maternity care deserts—where families have limited access to crucial services—could worsen significantly, rendering these communities even more vulnerable. It's baffling that as March of Dimes points out, over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, and we cannot afford to take steps backward in ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all families.
An example is shared vividly in Rahman's statement about a mother named Elizabeth who was pregnant with twins and had only $14 savings. For Elizabeth, Medicaid was not just an insurance option; it was the reason for her family's survival, revealing the intimate connections between health policy and personal experiences. Such narratives are not isolated; they represent the struggles faced by countless others across the United States. With Medicaid covering over 41% of births and nearly 39% of all children in the US, any cuts to this program risk undoing decades of progress in maternal healthcare.
The March of Dimes remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for policies that protect the health of mothers and their babies. Through their efforts, they are not only ensuring that families can obtain the necessary healthcare but are also fighting to improve the systemic inadequacies that have historically plagued the maternal health sector. The organization calls on lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle to engage and collaborate towards creating equitable healthcare solutions that will allow every family to have a healthy start in life. The health of our nation’s future—its children and mothers—depends on it.
In conclusion, H.R. 1's passage stands to create far-reaching consequences for Medicaid that could undermine the very fabric of maternal and infant health services. Advocating for change and ensuring comprehensive care must remain at the forefront as March of Dimes and other health advocacy groups continue to fight for sustainable and equitable healthcare that protects our most vulnerable populations. The call to action is clear: we must prioritize the health of families now and in the future.
The implications of H.R. 1 extend beyond theoretical policy shifts; they represent a direct assault on the health and safety of millions. By transferring costs to state governments and imposing barriers to care such as work requirements and increased provider tax restrictions, the legislation threatens the fundamental safety net provided by Medicaid. For many pregnant women, especially those in low-income brackets, Medicaid is not simply a resource; it is their lifeline.
As Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, highlighted in her statement, the timing of these changes is particularly concerning as they come at a moment when states have only begun to implement critical programs such as the 12-month postpartum Medicaid extension. These initiatives aim to promote better maternal and infant health outcomes. However, with the restrictions enforced by H.R. 1, states may be forced to make painful choices about which healthcare services they can sustain or eliminate, jeopardizing foundational programs essential for maternal and infant health.
The bill’s potential effects on the healthcare landscape are pronounced. Among the most frightening outcomes is the risk of accelerating the closure of maternity wards and labor and delivery units, especially in areas that are already underserved. Maternity care deserts—where families have limited access to crucial services—could worsen significantly, rendering these communities even more vulnerable. It's baffling that as March of Dimes points out, over 80% of maternal deaths are preventable, and we cannot afford to take steps backward in ensuring comprehensive healthcare for all families.
An example is shared vividly in Rahman's statement about a mother named Elizabeth who was pregnant with twins and had only $14 savings. For Elizabeth, Medicaid was not just an insurance option; it was the reason for her family's survival, revealing the intimate connections between health policy and personal experiences. Such narratives are not isolated; they represent the struggles faced by countless others across the United States. With Medicaid covering over 41% of births and nearly 39% of all children in the US, any cuts to this program risk undoing decades of progress in maternal healthcare.
The March of Dimes remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for policies that protect the health of mothers and their babies. Through their efforts, they are not only ensuring that families can obtain the necessary healthcare but are also fighting to improve the systemic inadequacies that have historically plagued the maternal health sector. The organization calls on lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle to engage and collaborate towards creating equitable healthcare solutions that will allow every family to have a healthy start in life. The health of our nation’s future—its children and mothers—depends on it.
In conclusion, H.R. 1's passage stands to create far-reaching consequences for Medicaid that could undermine the very fabric of maternal and infant health services. Advocating for change and ensuring comprehensive care must remain at the forefront as March of Dimes and other health advocacy groups continue to fight for sustainable and equitable healthcare that protects our most vulnerable populations. The call to action is clear: we must prioritize the health of families now and in the future.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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