Biden-Harris Maternal Health Blueprint

In 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration introduced a comprehensive Maternal Health Blueprint to address the high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States, particularly among marginalized groups such as Black, Native, and rural women. This initiative aims to enhance maternal health through various measures, including offering states the option to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and investing in rural maternal health services.

The Blueprint outlines five critical priorities:

• Improving access to comprehensive health care
• Ensuring women's voices are heard in the healthcare system
• Advancing data collection and research to inform policy decisions
• Expanding the perinatal workforce
• Strengthening economic and social supports for families.

These measures are designed to create a more equitable healthcare environment and ensure better health outcomes for mothers and their families. Already, several initiatives have been implemented: Medicaid postpartum coverage has been extended in 47 states including DC, and substantial federal funding has been directed toward rural maternal healthcare programs. Additionally, the maternal mental health hotline has been launched, providing essential support to new mothers. The Administration's commitment to maternal health is part of a broader strategy to address health disparities and improve the overall wellbeing of women and families across the nation.

For further details, please refer to the White House fact sheet.