FRANKFORT, Ky. — A broadly supported maternal health bill heads to the full House for consideration. Supporters of House Bill 10, known as the Momnibus Bill, say it will help combat maternal mortality. 

What You Need To Know

  • House Bill 10, dubbed the "Momnibus Bill," would ensure all stages of pregnancy are a qualifying life event for insurance coverage

  • It also expands access to telehealth resources

  • Kentucky has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S.

  • HB 10 has bipartisan support in both chambers

“I mean, if we’re talking about the maternal mortality numbers that rival a third world country, we have got to get serious about this,” bill sponsor State Rep. Kim Moser, R-Taylor Mill, said.

The bill does several things to help keep moms healthy, both before and after birth. One section ensures new mothers can enroll in health insurance when they become pregnant. Moser says this helps get them connected to various health resources. 

Another area expands telehealth coverage for new moms, that better supports those who lack transportation to a doctor.

“Telehealth has become a really common sense way to help address some of the health situations that we’re seeing. If there are some needs that a mom has, we were looking for any way to help her,” Moser explained.

The bill also creates a Kentucky maternal psychiatric access program, which establishes a hotline where doctors can contact a psychiatrist or psychologist when a new mom has a mental health need.

It also expands what’s offered by the Health Access Nurturing Development Services (HANDS) program. HANDS is a state-run program to assist new mothers. Moser proposes adding lactation counseling, education on breastfeeding, and safe sleeping information for babies to HANDS.  

According to the CDC, Kentucky has the second highest rate of maternal mortality in the U.S., and a 2021 state report found 91% of these deaths were preventable. 

“To finally see it getting the spotlight and getting the recognition that it needs from both parties, it really gives me a lot of hope for the future of Kentucky,” Mary Duke, an organizer with the Kentucky Birth Coalition, said.

This organization works to give women more birthing options and improve maternal health. Duke supports this bill. 

“The maternal mortality rate in Kentucky is something that we do desperately need to look at, you know, so yeah, it’s going to look at lots of different ways to help,” Duke said.

HB 10 also addresses substance use disorder among new moms, which is the leading cause of death for that group.

The bill is backed by both Democrats and Republicans in both chambers.

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