Connected MOM Act
The Connected MOM Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to study how State Medicaid programs cover remote physiologic monitoring devices for pregnant and postpartum women. Specifically, within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary of HHS must submit a report to Congress detailing authorities, current state practices, limitations or barriers to coverage, and the observed impact on maternal health outcomes. The report should include recommendations to address any barriers related to coverage of devices such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, scales, and blood glucose monitors, with an eye toward improving health outcomes for Medicaid-enrolled pregnant and postpartum women. After the report, the Secretary must update State Medicaid telehealth resources (e.g., toolkits) within six months to reflect those recommendations.
Key Points
- 1Purpose: Identify and address barriers to coverage of remote physiologic monitoring devices under State Medicaid programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
- 2Covered devices: Remote monitoring equipment such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, scales, and blood glucose monitors.
- 3Reporting requirement: The Secretary must submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 18 months that covers authorities, state practices, barriers, and the impact on maternal health outcomes, plus recommendations.
- 4Resource updating: Within six months after the report, the Secretary must update state Medicaid telehealth resources to align with the recommendations.
- 5Scope and effect: The bill focuses on study and guidance rather than mandating immediate changes in coverage or providing funding; it aims to inform future policy decisions to expand or refine coverage.