New mothers grappling with addiction could get more help getting clean in Missouri
BRANSON MO NEWS: JEFFERSON CITY • New mothers who receive state health care assistance could soon receive postpartum substance abuse treatment for a longer period than currently allowed.Legislation allowing women with health insurance through the state’s Mo HealthNet program to receive drug treatment for a year after their pregnancy advanced out of the House on a bipartisan 139-4 vote Monday.Under current regulations, benefits are capped at 60 days after birth.
Supporters say the two-month limit results in a greater chance of a new mother relapsing.“This is something we should do for the most vulnerable in our state,” said Rep. Keith Frederick, R-Rolla.According to the Missouri Hospital Association, the number of infants born with withdrawal symptoms linked to their mother’s opioid use while pregnant has skyrocketed over the past decade.State records also have shown a rise in the number of newborns being moved into foster care in recent years because of addiction problems.The added benefits could be used to pay for mental health treatment, primary care coverage and transportation.The state will need a federal waiver and the state budget will need to be adjusted if the measure is adopted by the Senate and signed by Gov. Eric Greitens.But sponsor Marsha Haefner, R-Oakville, downplayed the estimated $1.5 million price tag of the proposal.
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“We’ve already planned for the expense of this plan for the upcoming fiscal year,” Haefner said.Supporters said the proposed law would generate long-term savings by keeping moms out of the hospital.“It will save taxpayer dollars as well as save lives,” said Rep. Cora Faith Walker, D-Ferguson, who co-sponsored provisions of the bill.The legislation is House Bills 2280, 2120, 1468, 1616.
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