For Immediate Release:  March 2, 2023

Contact: Emily O’Laughlin, 573-751-9762

Senator Tracy McCreery’s Bill Extending Postpartum  Coverage Moves Forward Without the Senator’s Support  

JEFFERSON CITY — Senate Bills 45 & 90, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis County, to extend healthcare coverage for pregnant and postpartum women to one full year after childbirth passed with new language and heads to the House without Sen. McCreery’s support.

Currently, low-income pregnant and postpartum women may receive benefits through MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women or Show-Me Healthy Babies, but coverage ends 60 days after pregnancy ends. According to a report by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, each year, about 60 Missouri women die while pregnant or within one year of being pregnant, and nearly 75% of these deaths are preventable.

“I voted no on my own bill,” Sen. McCreery said. “I am profoundly disappointed because with the language that was added, I can no longer support my own legislation.”

Language was added to the bill that would exclude nonresidents of Missouri and women who receive services in violation of Missouri’s laws, including abortions, from receiving extended healthcare benefits. Women whose pregnancies are ended involuntarily or necessarily in life-saving situations would be eligible for coverage. An emergency clause was also adopted to make all provisions of the act effective immediately after being signed by the governor.

“When I read the language that was added in the Senate substitute, I knew we were about to go down a path that would jeopardize this healthcare for working class moms,” Sen. McCreery said. “I do not believe this bill, as written, will accomplish what the vast majority of us want to do for low-income new mothers and their newborn babies.”

The governor, Senate leadership and other bipartisan legislators have expressed support for similar measures that could decrease maternal mortality rates in Missouri, which are double the national average. Missouri ranks 44th nationwide.

For more information about Sen. McCreery and her legislative actions, visit senate.mo.gov/McCreery.

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