WHEREAS, the LaMOMS program only covers 3 months of retroactive care from the date of application 9 ; and
WHEREAS, many immigrants, especially those categorized as non-lawful, are hesitant to utilize non-cash assistance programs out of fear of repercussions 11 ; and
WHEREAS, up to 75% of immigrants, and up to 90% of immigrants categorized as non-lawful, are unsure if utilization of non-cash assistance programs will impact their immigration status at present or future 11 ; and
WHEREAS, the majority of pregnant mothers who utilize self-pay are more likely to be of lower education status or are Hispanic or Native Hawaiin 12 ; and
WHEREAS, non-United States born persons had lower rates of timely access to prenatal care 13 ; and
WHEREAS, timely access to prenatal care increased among all populations except for immigrant populations with prior Medicaid expansions 13 ; and
WHEREAS, expanding the retroactive care period from 3 months before the date of application to include the entire pregnancy may lead to higher utilization rates of LaMOMS, especially among immigrants 1 ; and
WHEREAS, preventative care in pregnancy reduces maternal and infant morbidity and is essential in the uninsured population 6 , and therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Louisiana State Medical Society seek and/or support legislation for the expansion of Emergency Medicaid’s LaMOMS program to include all regular prenatal care for all persons for the entirety of their pregnancy, including those who are not legal citizens, regardless of when their application is submitted.
Current related LSMS policies: 30.05 Indigent and Uninsured - Health Care for the Uninsured 150.01 Medicaid - Medicaid Policy 290.07 Women’s Health – Access for Women of Reproductive Age 121.09 Eligibility, Benefits & Coverage - Coverage for Children and Adolescents
References
1.
Cohen RA, Martinez ME, Cha AE, Terlizzi EP. Health insurance coverage: Early release
of estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, January-June 2021. 2. Medicaid Facts and Figures | CMS. Accessed May 18, 2024. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicaid-facts-and-figures
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