Testimony

The health of postpartum mothers is an important issue for Kentuckians. In 2018, the latest year with available data, the national maternal mortality rate was 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births; Comparatively, Kentucky’s maternal mortality rate was 40.8 per 100,000. The mortality rate for Black Kentuckians is even higher, at 42.1 maternal deaths, versus 17.2 maternal deaths for White Kentuckians. In an effort to address this issue, HB174** extends the Medicaid benefits for postpartum mothers, whose current coverage ends at sixty days, to twelve months after the birth of their child. Kentucky Voices for Health has vocally advocated for this legislation as a measure that would help to improve the health of postpartum mothers. 13.9% of Kentucky’s postpartum mothers experience Postpartum Depression (PPD). The national rate is 13.4%. Further, the United Health Foundation reports that 13.9% of Kentucky’s postpartum mothers experience Postpartum Depression (PPD). The national rate is 13.4%. We know that the mental and physical health of mothers has