H.R. 9816 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Jul 21, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands Medicaid coverage for mothers after pregnancy
This bill changes how Medicaid and CHIP (a health program for children) cover mothers. Right now, coverage ends 60 days after pregnancy ends, but this bill would extend it to a full year. The bill also adds dental care to what's covered during that time. It would create a new program where states get money to set up or expand maternity care homes that provide services to pregnant women and new mothers. Finally, a government agency would study gaps in coverage and how states use video visits to help mothers access care.
How it affects you
If you're pregnant or a new mother on Medicaid or CHIP, you'd have health coverage for a longer period after giving birth, and you'd have dental care included. States with the new maternity care home program could offer you more specialized support during pregnancy and after. If you live in a state without these programs, the changes might not directly affect you right away, but the government would be studying how to improve coverage gaps in all states.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jul 21, 2026)
Maximizing Outcomes for Moms through Medicaid Improvement and Enhancement of Services Act or the MOMMIES Act
This bill establishes a series of programs and requirements under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) relating to maternal health.
For example, the bill expands eligibility for coverage under Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to one year after the last day of pregnancy and requires such coverage to include oral health services.
The bill also establishes a demonstration program in which states receive grants to implement or expand models for maternity care homes that provide services to Medicaid or CHIP beneficiaries.
The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) gaps in coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for pregnant and postpartum women, and (2) the use of telehealth by state Medicaid programs to increase access to maternity care.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 9816
A BILL
MOMMIES Act
Sponsor: Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7) · Introduced Jul 21, 2026 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 21, 2026: “Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.”
Sections
Sections · 6
- Sec. 1Short titleNo change
- Sec. 2Enhancing Medicaid and CHIP benefits for low-income pregnant individualsNo change
- Sec. 3Maternity care home demonstration projectNo change
- Sec. 4Reapplication of Medicare payment rate floor to primary care services furnished under Medicaid and inclusion of additional providersNo change
- Sec. 5MACPAC report and CMS guidance on increasing access to doula services for Medicaid beneficiariesNo change
- Sec. 6GAO report on State Medicaid programs' use of telehealth to increase access to maternity careNo change