Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Alabama Lawmakers Approve Bill to Expand Health Care Access for Pregnant Women

Alabama lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that could improve access to health care for pregnant women in the state. This is especially for those from a low-income background. The health sector in the US has been undergoing a lot of changes ever since the Trump administration has come in. Many of these changes have backtracked from what it was before, with many healthcare professionals opposing the new laws. However, this proposed law, which is now awaiting the signature of Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, could in fact help pregnant women. This bill introduces "<span>presumptive eligibility</span>" for Medicaid, which is a policy that allows pregnant women to receive outpatient care for up to 60 days while their Medicaid applications are being processed.

This move is being hailed as a critical step in addressing Alabama’s alarmingly high maternal and infant mortality rates, which are among the worst in the country.

<h4>What Is Presumptive Eligibility?</h4>

Presumptive eligibility allows medical providers to begin treating pregnant patients immediately under Medicaid. This is also based on preliminary information. This happens even before the full application could be reviewed. This is especially beneficial for low-income women, who often face delays due to administrative hurdles. This policy also ensures that timely prenatal care is provided to the mothers, which is also crucial in preventing complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

The new legislation is expected to increase Medicaid spending in the state by approximately $1 million annually for three years. About two-thirds of that funding will come from the federal government.

<h4>Why Is This Bill Important For Health Care?</h4>

Alabama has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country — nearly double the national average. Between 2018 and 2021, the state reported 64.63 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, compared to the national rate of 34.09. For Black women in Alabama, the rate is even more alarming at over 100 deaths per 100,000 births.

These statistics are compounded by poor access to prenatal care. According to The March of Dimes, nearly 20% of pregnant women in Alabama in 2023 received delayed or inadequate prenatal care. Rural hospital closures and limited Medicaid coverage have played a major role in this crisis.

<strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/republican-rep-in-georgia-discusses-total-abortion-bill-this-could-put-many-lives-in-danger-article-151304828" data-type="tilCustomLink">Republican Rep In Georgia Discusses Total Abortion Bill, This Could Put Many Lives In Danger</a></strong>

<h4>Alabama And Women's Accessibility To Health care</h4>

Alabama is one of the only 10 states where Medicaid facilities under the Affordable Care Act has not been extended. This has led to a great portion of women being affected who are at the childbearing age. As of now, pregnant women in Alabama can only quality for Medicaid if they make less than $21,996 annually (for an individual), or up to $37,704 for a household of three. For many, Medicaid only becomes an option after pregnancy is confirmed, delaying much-needed early care.

Medicaid paid for 45% of all births in Alabama in 2023. Notably, more than half of the state’s infant deaths occurred among families covered by Medicaid — underscoring the urgent need to improve services within this demographic.

<h4>Have There Been Other Efforts To Improve Maternity Care?</h4>

Another bill is already moving through Alabama's legislature that hopes to improve access to birthing care by allowing midwives to operate in freestanding birth centers. However, the amendments to the bill has faced backlash and criticism for limiting midwives' ability to perform essential newborn screenings for genetic disorders.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

alabama-lawmakers-approve-bill-to-expand-health-care-access-for-pregnant-women

alabama health news

health news

US health news

womens health

reproductive health

presumptive eligibility

world-rabies-day-2026-from-goats-to-beavers-to-cape-fur-seals-why-unusual-rabies-cases-are-raising-questions

World Rabies Day 2026: From Goats To Beavers To Cape Fur Seals, Why Unusual Rabies Cases Are Raising Questions

could-one-time-crispr-treatment-replace-statins-new-study-shows-significant-ldl-reduction

Could One-Time CRISPR Treatment Replace Statins? New Study Shows Significant LDL Reduction

trying-to-conceive-after-an-abortion-key-physical-and-emotional-factors-to-consider

Trying to Conceive After an Abortion? Key Physical and Emotional Factors to Consider

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Alabama lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill that could improve access to health care for pregnant women in the state. This is especially for those from a low-income background. The health sector in the US has been undergoing a lot of changes ever since the Trump administration has come in. Many of these changes have backtracked from what it was before, with many healthcare professionals opposing the new laws. However, this proposed law, which is now awaiting the signature of Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, could in fact help pregnant women. This bill introduces "presumptive eligibility" for Medicaid, which is a policy that allows pregnant women to receive outpatient care for up to 60 days while their Medicaid applications are being processed.This move is being hailed as a critical step in addressing Alabama’s alarmingly high maternal and infant mortality rates, which are among the worst in the country.What Is Presumptive Eligibility?Presumptive eligibility allows medical providers to begin treating pregnant patients immediately under Medicaid. This is also based on preliminary information. This happens even before the full application could be reviewed. This is especially beneficial for low-income women, who often face delays due to administrative hurdles. This policy also ensures that timely prenatal care is provided to the mothers, which is also crucial in preventing complications during pregnancy and childbirth.The new legislation is expected to increase Medicaid spending in the state by approximately $1 million annually for three years. About two-thirds of that funding will come from the federal government.Why Is This Bill Important For Health Care?Alabama has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country — nearly double the national average. Between 2018 and 2021, the state reported 64.63 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, compared to the national rate of 34.09. For Black women in Alabama, the rate is even more alarming at over 100 deaths per 100,000 births.These statistics are compounded by poor access to prenatal care. According to The March of Dimes, nearly 20% of pregnant women in Alabama in 2023 received delayed or inadequate prenatal care. Rural hospital closures and limited Medicaid coverage have played a major role in this crisis.ALSO READ: Republican Rep In Georgia Discusses Total Abortion Bill, This Could Put Many Lives In DangerAlabama And Women's Accessibility To Health careAlabama is one of the only 10 states where Medicaid facilities under the Affordable Care Act has not been extended. This has led to a great portion of women being affected who are at the childbearing age. As of now, pregnant women in Alabama can only quality for Medicaid if they make less than $21,996 annually (for an individual), or up to $37,704 for a household of three. For many, Medicaid only becomes an option after pregnancy is confirmed, delaying much-needed early care.Medicaid paid for 45% of all births in Alabama in 2023. Notably, more than half of the state’s infant deaths occurred among families covered by Medicaid — underscoring the urgent need to improve services within this demographic.Have There Been Other Efforts To Improve Maternity Care?Another bill is already moving through Alabama's legislature that hopes to improve access to birthing care by allowing midwives to operate in freestanding birth centers. However, the amendments to the bill has faced backlash and criticism for limiting midwives' ability to perform essential newborn screenings for genetic disorders.

alabama lawmakers approve bill to expand health care access for pregnant women

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Alabama Lawmakers Approve Bill to Expand Health Care Access for Pregnant Women

Diabetes Linked To 55% Risk Of Kidney Disease, Heart Failure Or Death Within 10 Years: Study

Could This Popular Joint Supplement Turn Mild Cognitive Impairment Into Dementia? New Study Finds Link

White House Chief Of Staff Susie Wiles Reveals Brutal Toll Of Fighting Cancer

Health Conditions A-Z

World Rabies Day 2026: From Goats To Beavers To Cape Fur Seals, Why Unusual Rabies Cases Are Raising Questions

Could One-Time CRISPR Treatment Replace Statins? New Study Shows Significant LDL Reduction

Trying to Conceive After an Abortion? Key Physical and Emotional Factors to Consider