“Our Momnibus package is the culmination of years of work to address the critical issues surrounding maternal health and well-being,” Cephas said. “These core areas of increasing access to care, eliminating maternal health deserts, and addressing social determinants of health, guide our focus in this comprehensive platform. This caucus has done an amazing job of developing a multi-pronged approach to achieve health and maternal care equity for birthing people across the state no matter where they live.” Read more
“As an advocate for Black maternal health and reproductive health, rights and justice, member of the Women’s Health Caucus, and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I am thankful for Sen. Schwank’s leadership, as well as Rep. Morgan Cephas for introducing the House companion bill, and Gov. Shapiro for acting swiftly to sign S.B. 262 into law,” Mayes said. “This law will provide us with the data to improve maternal health for Pennsylvanians.” Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus , participated today in the ceremonial bill signing of Act 5 of 2023 into law, which adds “severe maternal morbidity: to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health. “I am still beyond excited about seeing Act 5 signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro,” said Cephas, who also is a former chair of the Women’s Health Caucus and who has championed the issue for years. “This a collective effort to prevent maternal morbidity in the commonwealth. Act 5 will help reduce the growing and alarming number of maternal deaths,” Cephas added. “I praise the efforts of Senator Judy Schwank who is leading this remarkable win. The collected data on maternal morbidity will facilitate a better understanding of risk factors and key patterns linked to this issue,” Cephas said. Senate Bill 262 , who has Schwank as its prime sponsor, is part of a package of bills aimed at addressing maternal morbidity and mirrors legislation authored by Cephas (H.B. 1362 ) in the past two legislative sessions and is a key part of her efforts to reduce Black maternal mortality and improve Black maternal health in Pennsylvania. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus , announced today that she will join the ceremonial signing of Act 5 into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro. The package of bills would help create better reporting of maternal morbidity data. Senate Bill 262 , sponsored by state Sen. Judy Schwank, is part of a package of bills aimed at addressing maternal morbidity and mirrors legislation (H.B. 1362 ) authored in the state House by Cephas in the past two legislative sessions. WHAT : Ceremonial bill signing of Act 5 . WHO : Gov. Josh Shapiro, State Rep. Morgan Cephas , and state Sen. Judy Schwank . WHEN : 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31. WHERE : Governor’s Reception Room, PA Capitol. Media coverage is invited. Read more
Three state lawmakers announced this week the creation of the Black Maternal Health Caucus in an effort to find legislative solutions to Pennsylvania’s high rates of Black maternal mortality and morbidity. Read more
A long-time proponent of Black Maternal Health reform, Pa. state Rep. Morgan Cephas stands with her co-chairs Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes and Rep. Gina H. Curry to launch the new Pa. Black Maternal Health Caucus. Cephas and the caucus will work to advance legislation like the MOMNIBUS package of bills designed to address the prevalence of maternal mortality and morbidity affecting Black mothers and birthing people of color in our commonwealth. Read more
State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, said the state’s budget, H.B. 611, makes new and historic investments in Black maternal health, public education, community development, disadvantaged businesses and fresh food financing. Read more
State Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, applauded the House of Representatives for unanimously passing a bill today to combat maternal morbidity.Sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, S.B. 262 would require the Department of Health to report maternal morbidity data using hospital discharge data from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. Read more
The House Health Committee today reported to the full House legislation that would ensure proper data collection on maternal morbidity as lawmakers work to reduce the growing and alarming number of maternal deaths in the state.The bill (S.B. 262), which would add “severe maternal morbidity” to the list of reportable events within the Pennsylvania Department of Health, mirrors legislation authored by state Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., in the past two legislative sessions and is a key part of efforts by Cephas and Reps. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, and La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, to reduce Black maternal mortality and improve Black maternal health in Pennsylvania. Read more
The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a hearing on Black maternal health and the troubling statistics involving Black mothers and birthing individuals and maternal mortality rates. The hearing corresponded with Black Maternal Health Week, which offers the public a chance to deepen the conversations about Black maternal mortality and Black maternal health in our commonwealth. Read more
The Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus seeks to address disturbing trends of Black maternal mortality and morbidity and pass the Pennsylvania MOMNIBUS, a legislative package modeled after the federal MOMNIBUS legislation to change the trajectory of maternal health outcomes in Pennsylvania. Read more
Pennsylvania has a Children's Health Insurance Program that provides free and low-cost health care insurance to children. CHIP is not welfare – it covers children of working parents whose employers don't offer coverage and who can't afford private insurance. If you can't afford health insurance for your children, chances are they are eligible for CHIP. It's easy to sign up for CHIP If you think your children are eligible for CHIP, you can sign them up by calling 1-800-986-KIDS or visit www.chipcoverspakids.com . You can also contact my office for questions about your situation. What does CHIP cover? Immunizations Routine Check-ups Diagnostic Testing Prescriptions Dental, Vision, Hearing Services Emergency Care Maternity Care Mental Health Benefits Up to 90 Days Hospitalization in any Year Durable Medical Equipment Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Partial Hospitalization for Mental Health Rehabilitation Therapy Home Health Care Does my family qualify? The following factors are considered for a child's eligibility for CHIP: The family's income is within certain levels. Must not be eligible for Medicaid or have any other health insurance. Must be under age 19. Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful alien. Must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 30 days, except for a newborn. Read more
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