HB 12 to extend Medicaid coverage for low-income new mothers from two months to 12 months.

Leaders from across the Network of Texas IAF Organizations met with our legislators while they were candidates and again, once the 2023 Legislative Session began, to educate them about the need to extend Medicaid coverage from 2 months to 12 months for new moms.  Texas has the highest number and rate of uninsured people in the United States.  As a result, we have among the highest rates of maternal death and serious complications from giving birth, over 90% of which are preventable with proper ongoing health care.

Increasing Medicaid coverage from 2 months to 12 months was the top recommendation of the Texas Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Review Committee and was supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle.  Texas IAF leaders testified at public hearings, contacted legislators by phone and email and visited legislative offices on numerous days during the Session to push them to pass HB 12.

This is an important first step in increasing access to healthcare for the millions of low-income working Texans who do not receive healthcare through their work and cannot afford to purchase it on their own. 

said Robin Stilwell of The Metropolitan Organization in Houston.

“With House Bill 12, we get a double benefit, since a healthier Mom is going to be better able to care for and nurture her newborn child,” said Elsa Rivera of Central Texas Interfaith.  According our analysis, HB 12 will offer comprehensive care for new moms, leverage Texas’ existing provider network, and allow the state to draw down federal funds. It is a great investment in our future.

The Texas IAF recognizes the principal authors of HB 12, Senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham and Representative Toni Rose of Dallas.  We need to continue to work in a bi-partisan way to increase access to health care for the millions of Texans who lack primary and preventive care” said Dr. Larry Bachman of Dallas Area Interfaith. “Let’s build off of HB 12 in the coming years.”