Lawmakers and Physicians Celebrate Start of New Maternal Health Law
New law allows Medicaid to pay for outpatient medical care for up to 60 days while a woman's Medicaid application is pending
From the Medical Association of the State of Alabama
BIRMINGHAM - Bipartisan legislators and Alabama physicians gathered Tuesday in Birmingham to celebrate a landmark new maternal healthcare law that takes effect Oct. 1.
The new law, known as "presumptive Medicaid eligibility," speeds access to prenatal care for low-income pregnant women by allowing Medicaid to pay for outpatient medical care for up to 60 days while a woman's application for Medicaid is being reviewed.
Supporters say the law will help save lives by reducing delays in care and improving Alabama's troubling rates of maternal and infant mortality.
"Every mother deserves the chance for a healthy pregnancy, but far too many women in Alabama go without the care they need in the early weeks of pregnancy," said Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. "With presumptive eligibility, mothers will be able to see a doctor sooner, giving them and their babies a healthier and safer start. Presumptive eligibility is an ounce of prevention that saves tax dollars in the long run."
Rep. Marilyn Lands, who carried the bill in the House, highlighted the bipartisan effort that made the law possible. "This was about doing what's right for Alabama families," she said. "By working together across party lines, we put mothers and babies first. I look forward to building on this momentum to continue improving healthcare in our state."
Rep. Susan DuBose, who co-sponsored the bill, said the law represents a strong commitment to both life and health. "This is a strong pro-life measure that ensures expecting mothers have access to the care they need," DuBose said. "By expanding coverage at the very start of pregnancy, we're giving more Alabama moms and babies a healthier future."
Physicians who spoke at the event stressed how meaningful the change will be for both patients and providers.
"Every week matters in a pregnancy," said Dr. Janeen Arbuckle, an obstetrician-gynecologist. "The earlier a mother receives prenatal care, the more we can do to prevent complications and ensure the best possible outcome for both mom and baby."
Dr. Jamie Routman, also an obstetrician-gynecologist, added, "This law removes a major barrier to care. It gives doctors the ability to provide the right care at the right time without waiting weeks or months for paperwork to catch up. It's a victory for public health in our state."
The Medical Association of the State of Alabama, which has long advocated for measures to address the state's high maternal mortality rate, praised the law as an important step forward.
"This is about partnership and progress," said Dr. Arbuckle. "With this new law, Alabama is making it clear: Healthy moms and healthy babies mean a healthier Alabama."
