House Health Committee Advances Bill to Support Maternal Health

June 16, 2025

The House Health Committee today advanced HAP-supported legislation to require Medicaid coverage for home-use blood pressure monitors on a per-pregnancy basis.

This morning, HAP submitted a letter to the committee urging support for House Bill 1234, sponsored by Representative La’Tasha Mayes (D–Allegheny). Pennsylvania’s Black Maternal Health Caucus also hosted an event in the capitol today calling support for the legislation as part of the PA MOMNIBUS legislative package.

Ahead of the 22–4 vote, lawmakers highlighted the need to support maternal health and reduce the risk of complications due to pre-eclampsia.

The legislation would improve upon existing requirements, which only allow for coverage of one blood pressure monitor every five years.

“Providing coverage on a per-pregnancy basis ensures that patients have access to accurate, appropriate at-home tools during each individual pregnancy which complement in office clinical care,” HAP’s letter notes. “This legislation is a positive step forward and HAP looks forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly to expand access to high-quality maternal health care.”

In addition, the committee also advanced House Bill 1212 directing the Department of Health to run a public awareness campaign on the importance of involving fathers in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. It also advanced Senate Bill 411 providing for a statewide stroke registry.

View the meeting online.

For additional information, contact Arielle Chortanoff, vice president, state advocacy, or Sarah Lawver, HAP’s senior director, state advocacy, with any questions.