WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced legislation aimed at improving health care for expectant mothers. The Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide coverage recommendations for remote devices such as those that can check for irregularities in blood pressure, blood glucose, and pulse rates which can be indicators of potential pregnancy complications. It also requires CMS to update state resources, such as state Medicaid telehealth toolkits, to correspond with the recommendations provided. The goal is to improve maternal and infant outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women.
“Maternal mortality is preventable and far too common in Louisiana, particularly in underserved communities,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The Connected MOM Act allows high-risk mothers to stay home while her doctor monitors her and her baby’s health remotely. This makes sure childbirth is a safe, happy experience for mothers and families.”
“Too many women across New Hampshire and our country face significant barriers to accessing regular prenatal and postpartum care – whether because they live in rural communities, struggle with childcare, or juggle demanding work and family responsibilities,” said Senator Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation recognizes how medical technology can help bridge these gaps, making it easier for women to access remote monitoring tools that can help detect potential pregnancy complications early. I will continue working across the aisle to address our maternal health crisis and ensure that every woman receives the health care she needs.”
The bill was inspired by the Connected Maternity Online Monitoring program established by Ochsner Health headquartered in New Orleans. Ochsner provides program participants with equipment for at-home checks to both catch potential issues early and reduce the number of in-person clinic visits.
“The Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act is crucial to help advance health outcomes and improve the lives of mothers and their children across the nation, and we continue to support Senator Cassidy’s efforts to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation. At Ochsner Health, we are proud of the innovations that our digital maternal health programs have made to support and provide access to patient monitoring of blood pressure and other vital signs that have the potential to save lives. Ochsner endorses the expansion of these programs that make maternal care a priority. We thank Senators Cassidy and Hassan for their support and leadership on this public health issue that has far-reaching impacts to make healthcare more accessible,” said Ochsner Health CEO Pete November.
The legislation passed the U.S. Senate last year by voice vote with overwhelming support.
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