Care 4 Mississippi Coalition: Sen. Blackwell’s Efforts to Revive Measure Extending Coverage Window for Postpartum Mothers Could Save Lives

JACKSON, Miss - The Care 4 Mississippi Coalition released the following statement responding to Sen. Kevin Blackwell’s effort to revive proposed legislation, SB 2033, which would extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers from 60 days to a year. The measure died on the House calendar earlier this month when members of the House failed to take it up but was revived when the Senate, by a motion of Senator Kevin Blackwell (R-Southaven), moved that the rules be suspended so that the legislature could have more time to consider the matter.  
 
“Sen. Blackwell’s efforts to revive this legislation extending the coverage window for postpartum mothers could save lives,” said Megan Bennett, Policy Associate with the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund. “Our legislators must now do everything they can to see it passed into law. With Mississippi’s dismal infant and maternal mortality rates and outcomes, it would be unconscionable for them to not take this opportunity. The lives and livelihoods of babies and mothers across the state are in their hands.”   

SPLC Action Fund is a member of Care 4 Mississippi, a broad coalition of stakeholders and advocates working to ensure that all Mississippians get the health coverage and care they need. Care 4 Mississippi: BELIEVES that access to quality, affordable healthcare helps build a stronger Mississippi. RECOGNIZES that there are currently thousands of hard-working Mississippians who are uninsured and would benefit from policies that create access to affordable health insurance options. SEEKS to strengthen the economic wellbeing of our state by increasing access to an affordable, quality, and sustainable healthcare system for all Mississippians.

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