Summers co-authored legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for pregnant women passes House

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis), Ranking Democrat on the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, today celebrated the passage of House Bill 1140 by the full House of Representatives.

House Bill 1140 expands access to Medicaid for pregnant Hoosier women by increasing the Medicaid income eligibility requirements and removing the Medicaid limitation for pregnant women of medical assistance coverage only for pregnancy related services. It also extends postpartum Medicaid coverage for pregnant women from 60 days to 12 months beginning on the last day of the pregnancy.

Summers has championed expanding Medicaid coverage for Hoosier mothers as a strategy to lower Indiana's abysmal maternal and infant mortality rate.

“I am excited that Indiana is taking real action to improve maternal and infant health,” Summers said. “My only regret is that it has taken this long, cost this many mothers and babies, to reach this point. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to see this life-saving piece of legislation through to the finish line.”

House Bill 1140 passed the House with a vote of 86-1. It will now move to the Senate for consideration.