Alabama Lawmakers Approve Bill Expanding Medicaid Access for Pregnant Women

Alabama lawmakers have unanimously passed legislation to expedite Medicaid access for pregnant women, addressing the state's alarming maternal and infant mortality rates. The new bill allows Medicaid to cover outpatient care for up to 60 days while an application is processed, a move supported by both Republican and Democratic legislators. Alabama has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the U.S., with Black women facing even higher risks. The legislation aims to improve healthcare access for pregnant women, many of whom are in a 'coverage gap'—earning too much for Medicaid yet too little to afford private insurance. This bipartisan effort reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to enhance healthcare delivery in Alabama, particularly in its rural regions. The bill now awaits Governor Kay Ivey's signature to become law.