Advocacy Correspondence: PA House Insurance Committee, HAP Support for HB 1088

 

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May 6, 2025

Chairman Warren, Chairwoman Pickett, and Members of the House Insurance Committee:

On behalf of more than 235 member hospitals and health systems, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) writes in support of House Bill 1088, sponsored by Representative Mandy Steele. This legislation would require insurance coverage of blood pressure monitors for home use for individuals who qualify, on a per-pregnancy basis.

HAP is proud to partner with the Pennsylvania General Assembly to address maternal mortality and morbidity across the commonwealth. Nearly all births in Pennsylvania (97%) take place in hospitals. Our hospitals are deeply committed to safe and healthy pregnancies, with 95 percent of the state’s 79 birthing hospitals participating in the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative to improve outcomes and share best practices.

Pregnancy is a dynamic period when health can change rapidly. Timely monitoring and intervention are critical. Four out of five pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. Preeclampsia—high blood pressure during pregnancy—is a leading cause of maternal mortality and can result in severe complications, including stroke. While some insurance plans already cover blood pressure monitors for postpartum use, coverage is inconsistent. As a result, many patients are left to pay out-of-pocket or go without this essential monitoring tool.

We urge you to support House Bill 1088 to help ensure equitable access to a simple, effective intervention that can save lives.

Respectfully submitted,

Arielle Chortanoff

 

 

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Topics: Public Health, Quality Initiatives

Revision Date: 5/6/2025

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