Govt.
The multitude of new initiatives include expanding prenatal coverage under the state’s public health program to all eligible women regardless of immigration status, expanding postpartum coverage of six weeks to a full year and establishing a new payment package that will incorporate doulas and breastfeeding support for up to one year.
The state is also piloting a universal home visiting and community health worker program from the city of
Lamont was joined by
“In Connecticut, there are an average of five to six pregnancy-related deaths per year, and about half of those deaths occur within the first six weeks to a year after pregnancy,” said
The series of new measures aim to address racial disparities and improve health outcomes in the state at a time when maternal deaths are rising nationwide.
“We had already seen remarkable progress in maternal health to the point where a few decades ago maternal deaths were extremely rare in the United States,” Gifford said. “We have unfortunately seen that this trend has reversed and the number of maternal deaths has increased every year since 2018. Additionally, maternal deaths among non-Hispanic black women are three times higher in this country than among women. white. These are issues that need to be addressed urgently. »
The new measures have come into force
“By having a doula present before, during and after pregnancy, we know it can help reduce cesarean section rates, encourage breastfeeding and help give the birthing parent any kind of support they need to get the birth he wishes”,
Along with the expansion of services, prenatal coverage for undocumented women under the state’s Children’s Health Insurance program has also been expanded. Previously, undocumented women were not eligible due to their immigration status.
Other changes are also planned for next year, including medical coverage for undocumented immigrant children up to the age of 8 will come into effect.
“We can’t leave these moms and babies behind,” Lamont said. “We place particular emphasis on communities hardest hit by disparities. Basic health care is an individual right and no one should be asked about your immigration documents.
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