Jefferson City – New mothers will have greater access to postpartum care now that legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has been signed into law by the governor. The Postpartum Depression Care Act, passed as part of House Bill 1682, provides extended treatment for low-income Missouri women experiencing postpartum depression.
Senator Schupp’s legislation extends Medicaid health coverage for women who need postpartum depression care from the current 60-day limit to up to one year. The act also encourages health care providers to relay information on postpartum depression to new parents, and offer voluntary screenings for new mothers during their regularly scheduled well-woman and well-baby check-ups following pregnancy.
“Missouri ranks sixth in the nation for its high rate of maternal mortality, with postpartum suicide as the second leading cause of death for new mothers. These deaths are preventable and the underlying issues are treatable,” Sen. Schupp said. “I am grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues and appreciate the governor signing this important legislation into law. The Postpartum Depression Care Act will save lives and help keep new families healthy and safe. With the added stress and concern for new mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation is more important than ever.”