Steele bill that would provide needed blood pressure monitoring devices to pregnant women passes PA House
Rep. Mandy Steele May 21, 2024
HARRISBURG, May 21 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Mandy Steele that would provide another tool for pregnant women to keep healthy passed the PA House today.
Steele’s bill (H.B. 2138) would require insurance coverage for medically necessary blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service.
“Hypertension and related disorders are a leading cause of maternal, neonatal and fetal health complications and death. Early identification and intervention is critical to the health of the mother and baby,” Steele said. “Remote blood pressure monitoring is a reliable, effective strategy in getting control of the mother’s blood pressure and avoiding costly and preventable complications.”
High blood pressure affects approximately 1 in 10 pregnancies in the United States. When left uncontrolled, it can result in complications, including preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm delivery, heart attack and heart failure, stroke and even death.
Steele’s bill, which passed the House on a bipartisan vote, is one of the bills in the “Momnibus” legislative package, which addresses critical disparities in maternal health care.
“This is an important piece of legislation for maternal wellness, and I urge the Senate to act on this bill,” Steele said.