The MOMMIES Act improves maternal health outcomes by extending Medicaid and CHIP postpartum coverage to one year, mandating comprehensive benefits and oral health services, and establishing demonstration projects to enhance maternity care access.
Cory Booker
Senator
NJ
The MOMMIES Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes by expanding Medicaid and CHIP coverage for pregnant and postpartum individuals to a full year. The bill mandates comprehensive benefits, including oral health services, while establishing a maternity care home demonstration project to provide coordinated, person-centered care. Additionally, it increases provider reimbursement rates for primary care and directs federal studies to address coverage gaps and improve access to doula and telehealth services.
MOMMIES Act Expands Medicaid to Full Year Postpartum and Mandates Dental Care Starting 2027
The MOMMIES Act is a major overhaul of how Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) handle pregnancy. Its most immediate impact is extending the 'continuous coverage' period: currently, many people lose their pregnancy-related insurance just 60 days after giving birth, but this bill pushes that window to a full 365 days. Starting January 1, 2027, if you qualify for Medicaid while pregnant, you keep that full coverage for a year postpartum, regardless of minor income shifts that might have previously kicked you off the rolls. It also ends the 'pregnancy-only' benefit trap; instead of only covering services related to the baby, states must provide the full suite of medical benefits available to other low-income adults.
More Than Just Checkups
One of the most practical additions is the new requirement for oral health services. The bill mandates that Medicaid and CHIP cover preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental care for pregnant and postpartum individuals. This isn't just a 'nice to have'—it’s tied to clinical guidance from groups like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists because dental health is directly linked to birth outcomes. For a working mom, this means being able to get a cavity filled or a periodontal cleaning covered under the same plan that handles her prenatal vitamins and ultrasounds. To make sure states actually follow through, the federal government is picking up 100% of the tab for these new costs starting in 2027, removing the 'we can't afford it' excuse from state capitals.
The 'Maternity Care Home' Model
The bill also launches a five-year pilot program in at least 10 states to test 'Maternity Care Homes.' Think of this as a high-touch, team-based approach to pregnancy. Instead of bouncing between disconnected specialists, patients would have a care coordinator—like a nurse or a doula—who manages everything from mental health screenings and breastfeeding support to finding stable housing or transportation to appointments. These teams are required to include a mix of pros like OB-GYNs, midwives, and community health workers. It’s designed to treat the whole person, ensuring that a high-risk pregnancy gets the specialized attention it needs while respecting the birthing plan of the parent.
Supporting the Support System
To ensure there are actually enough doctors and doulas to provide this care, the bill addresses the 'Medicaid gap' in pay. It requires state Medicaid programs to pay primary care providers—including OB-GYNs, pediatricians, and midwives—at rates that match or exceed what Medicare pays. Historically, Medicaid often pays much less, which leads some doctors to limit how many Medicaid patients they see. By raising the floor, the bill aims to make it easier for people to find a local doctor who accepts their insurance. Additionally, the bill tasks the government with figuring out how to make doula services a permanent, reimbursable part of Medicaid with a 'living wage' for the doulas, acknowledging that professional labor support can significantly lower the risk of complications.