Now that HB 12 ensuring 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage is in the Senate, your congregation or group can help get the bill over the finish line…but there’s no time to waste!
Please use the model language below to help you draft your own letter—it would be great if you can add some location-specific information about why you support the bill. Maybe your church has a daycare? Or maybe your women’s group supports a women’s shelter?
Texas Impact would love to a copy of your letter, or at least a note to let us know you sent it. We’re also available to help if you need guidance. Email engagement@texasimpact.org
SAMPLE POSTPARTUM MEDICAID SUPPORT LETTER
May __, 2023
The Honorable [Senator Name]
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas, 78711
We are in support of House Bill 12 to Ensure New Moms Have Health Insurance
Dear Senator [NAME],
Thank you for your continued work at the Texas Legislature prioritizing families. Extending
coverage to 12 months postpartum is recommended in Governor Abbott’s budget proposal,
the Texas Republican Party platform, the Texas Democratic Party platform, and the Texas
Maternal Mortality & Morbidity Review Committee report to the Legislature.
House Bill 12 by Representative Rose passed the Texas House with strong bipartisan
support. This bill would continue pregnant women’s Medicaid insurance for eligible
women for one year after pregnancy, instead of just 60 days. With this step, and a clean
version of the bill that will pass federal requirements, new Texas mothers would continue
having access to comprehensive health care services through an established and robust
network of providers. HB 12 would allow a new mother to continue seeing her same
doctor, mental health therapist or psychiatrist, or specialist and not risk a gap in health
care while searching for other health care providers.
When a new mom becomes uninsured after 60 days postpartum, she can obtain primary
care services from a safety-net health center if one is located close by and through the
Healthy Texas Women Plus program, but these options have limitations and are not a
substitute for comprehensive coverage provided by Medicaid or other health
insurance. For many women in rural areas, there isn’t a safety-net health center in their
county at all. If a new mother needs additional medications or specialty care from a
cardiologist, diabetes specialist, or physical therapist, she will face big challenges finding
providers who will treat an uninsured mother.
House Bill 12 will provide greater continuity of care during a critical year and will help
combat the risks of pregnancy complications that too many Texas moms experience, some
with long-lasting effects.
We respectfully ask you to ensure House Bill 12 passes quickly and without
amendment.
Sincerely,