Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have expressed approval for the U.S. Senate's recent passage of their bipartisan legislation focused on enhancing healthcare for expectant mothers. The Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act is now set to be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Dr. Cassidy highlighted the significance of this legislative step, stating, "Maternal mortality is preventable and far too common in Louisiana today. Passing this bill through the Senate is one step closer to providing high-risk moms the comfort to stay in their homes while her physician remotely monitors her and her baby’s health."

Senator Hassan pointed out the challenges faced by women in accessing prenatal and postpartum care, particularly those residing in rural areas or managing work and family responsibilities. She stated, “Too many women across New Hampshire and our country face significant barriers to accessing regular prenatal and postpartum care – whether they live in rural communities, struggle with childcare, or juggle demanding work and family responsibilities.” Hassan emphasized that their bipartisan legislation acknowledges how medical technology can facilitate access to remote monitoring tools that could detect pregnancy complications early.

The bill also received support from U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Thune (R-SD), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

The Connected MOM Act mandates that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provide coverage recommendations for remote devices capable of monitoring indicators such as blood pressure, blood glucose, and pulse rates—factors that can signal potential pregnancy complications. Additionally, CMS is required to update state resources like Medicaid telehealth toolkits in alignment with these recommendations to enhance maternal and infant outcomes.