By Bob Katzen
Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that supporters say would ensure consistency between existing state law and budgetary language regarding eligibility for cash assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance throughout a medically verified pregnancy.
“Cash assistance helps pregnant people access prenatal care and meet basic needs like housing and food security during all stages of pregnancy, improving maternal and infant health outcomes,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “Also implemented in more than a dozen other states, this policy uplifts both moms and babies while reducing overall health care costs. It’s a win-win.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes
This seems like a pretty sensible fix if it really keeps cash assistance available through the whole medically verified pregnancy, especially for prenatal care and basic stuff like rent and food. It made me think of a Minecraft Recipe guide — sometimes the little missing piece is what makes everything work smoothly, and this sounds like that kind of gap being closed.
Does the state of Granny Game plan to expand this policy to cover postpartum care services for mothers and babies in the future? Because in my opinion, comprehensive postpartum care is just as important as the pregnancy period.