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Fri February 07, 2025

By Bren Yocom

Politics State

WTAS: Statements of Support for Governor Sanders’ Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act

U.S. Senator John Boozman – “Another important step forward for our state's moms, babies and families as we continue to address challenges with maternal health. Thankful for Gov. @SarahHuckabee Sanders' leadership and the ongoing efforts across our state to promote access to care that saves lives.” Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester – “As the proud father of the most beautiful 8-month old baby in the world, the governor’s pro-family investments are extremely meaningful to me. I’m confident our state will make significant strides in infant and maternal health.”

Senator Missy Irvin (District 24) – “What a great day! Today we filed The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act—a bold $45.3M investment in maternal health and our future, our children. Thank you @SarahHuckabee for your leadership, the team at DHS, Alice Walton for your passion for Arkansas & @pilkingtonforar. Happy Day!” Representative Aaron Pilkington (District 69) – “I’m proud to announce with @SarahHuckabee and @ARSenMissyIrvin - The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act—a bold $45.3M investment in maternal health that unbundles Medicaid’s global payments, boosts provider reimbursements, and expands telemedicine and presumptive eligibility for pregnant women. This legislation empowers community health workers to help ensure every Arkansas mom gets the care she needs for a healthier start for our babies!”

Representative Mary Bentley (District 54) – “Thank you @SarahHuckabee for your leadership on maternal health! This is such a great targeted approach. I can’t wait to see all of the positive results from this legislation.” Olivia Walton, Founder and CEO of Ingeborg – “I want to thank Governor Sanders for her leadership. Today, we're taking a significant step toward making Arkansas the best state to be a mom. This new package of maternal health legislation ensures that more women will have access to the care they need throughout their pregnancies and beyond. By introducing presumptive eligibility for Medicaid and unbundling the maternal health code into 14 critical clinical visits, we’re not only expanding access but also creating a more attractive environment for OBs to practice in our state. This means more providers, more care, and healthier mothers across Arkansas.”

Emily McGee, Chief Nursing Officer, St. Bernards Medical Center, Jonesboro – “St. Bernards Healthcare welcomes the "Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act" as a vital partnership to improve challenging maternal health outcomes in eastern Arkansas. We appreciate support from Governor Sanders and the Arkansas State Legislature, reinforcing our commitment of providing prenatal and postpartum care to all women, regardless of their situation.” Ryan Gehrig, President of Mercy Arkansas Communities – "Providing affordable and accessible care for mothers and their babies is foundational to Mercy's mission. We applaud the governor's investment in maternal health, an area our state has much room for improvement."

Brian Thomas , President & CEO, Jefferson Regional Medical Center – “Increased reimbursement for maternal health services is long overdue, and we applaud Governor Sanders’ focus on helping hospitals to stabilize obstetrical services, particularly in the rural areas of Arkansas.”

Shane Speights, Dean, NYITCOM Arkansas – “At NYIT we are thankful and excited to see this dedication by the Governor to maternal and infant health. These challenges are especially hard for rural and economically depressed communities. We look forward to working with the administration toward real solutions that can truly change outcomes in these populations.” Troy Wells, President & CEO, Baptist Health – “Investing in changes that will improve and expand access to maternal care services will have a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes in the state. We’re thankful for the state’s continued commitment to improving maternal care and we are committed to working alongside our partners in the state to implement these transformative changes that will improve the lives of Arkansas moms and babies.”

Michael Wood, DPT, CEO Mena Regional Health System – “We thank Governor Sanders, our legislators, and the many stakeholders who made the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act a reality. By unbundling payments, expanding prenatal and postpartum visits, and increasing hospital reimbursements for deliveries and C-sections, this critical step strengthens maternal healthcare by helping stabilize rural obstetric departments like ours and ensuring better outcomes for mothers and babies in our community.” Marcy Doderer, FACHE, Arkansas Children's President and CEO – “We live in a remarkable time when medical breakthroughs, technology and innovative professionals empower us to address the pressing and inextricably-tied needs of moms and babies. I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Sanders and her team as they fund and grow programs that will ensure providers can deliver accessible, high quality care across the state. Arkansas Children’s remains deeply committed to changing the generational trend of poor infant and maternal health in Arkansas. I look forward to expanding our partnerships within the ACH Nursey Alliance and with labor and delivery providers, family medicine programs, and community organizations as we all work together to provide new opportunities for moms and babies to achieve healthy lives together.”

Phillip Gilmore, CEO Ashley County Medical Center – “I commend Governor Sanders for her vital leadership on this important issue. Maternal care is paramount to the health and future of our state as we can’t put a price on the life of a mother or a newborn baby. As a hospital administrator for over 46 years in Arkansas, this is the right step forward.” Nirvana Manning, MD- Chair and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – “I fully support the governor’s new maternal health package. These measures will enhance the care of women in our state and invest in stronger families and healthier communities.”

Pearl Mcelfish, PHD Vice Chancellor and Director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Institute for Community Health Innovation – “The Governor’s actions today are transformational. These efforts will drastically improve the health of women, infants, and families. Together we can make Arkansas the healthiest place to raise a family and ensure all Arkansas families have the opportunity to thrive.” Cam Patterson, MD MBA, Chancellor of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – “As the state’s academic medical center, UAMS is committed to advancing health care excellence and improving outcomes for all patients. We fully support Governor Sanders’ maternal health package, which aligns with our commitment to ensuring that every mother and child has access to the care and support they deserve. Higher reimbursements for deliveries will ensure that health care providers, especially those serving vulnerable communities, are adequately compensated for the comprehensive care they offer. This will not only enhance the quality of care but also help to stabilize and retain health care professionals in underserved areas, where maternal health outcomes often lag behind.

Presumptive eligibility, which allows for quicker access to care and reduces administrative burdens, is critical in ensuring that expectant mothers receive timely prenatal and postnatal care. This process addresses a significant barrier to accessing necessary care, particularly for those with limited resources, and can lead to improved outcomes for both mothers and babies. Additionally, expanding coverage for community health workers and doulas will help bridge the gap in health care delivery by offering culturally competent, personalized support. Governor Sanders’ proposal will make a meaningful difference for mothers, babies, and health care providers alike.”

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