Congressman David Valadao has joined a bipartisan coalition to introduce the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act. The legislation, co-sponsored by Reps. Jared Golden, Young Kim, and Jennifer McClellan, aims to alleviate financial burdens on families with private insurance during pregnancy by designating prenatal, birth, and postpartum care as essential health benefits (EHBs) and removing cost-sharing for these services. A similar bill was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Tim Kaine, Josh Hawley, and Kirsten Gillibrand.
“The cost of maternal care is already expensive,” said Congressman Valadao. “Building a family already comes with so much uncertainty… I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this practical, bipartisan solution that puts families first.”
Rep. Golden emphasized the need for reform: “Pregnancy and childbirth are a normal part of family life… This is simple, commonsense reform.” Rep. Kim added that Americans should not have to choose between starting a family and facing debt: “We should do what we can to make life more affordable.”
Rep. McClellan shared her personal experience: “When my daughter was born by emergency C-section nine weeks early… I wanted to focus all my attention on my recovery and her well-being.”
The act would classify prenatal, birth, and postpartum care as EHBs under private insurance plans; eliminate cost-sharing for in-network childcare services; mandate full coverage for ultrasounds, miscarriage care, delivery services; provide mental health coverage for spouses and adoptive parents.
Currently, Medicaid covers childbirth costs fully for enrollees while those with private insurance often face unexpected expenses ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 due to high deductibles and other factors.
Supporting organizations include the American Principles Project; Concerned Women for America; Jesuit Conference Office of Justice and Ecology; Americans United for Life; Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America; Students for Life; LiveAction; Life Defenders; March for Life; Catholic Health Association of the United States; American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists among others.
