JHF and WHAMglobal Partner with Rep. Morgan Cephas' Office for Birthing a Movement Event November 4

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation and Women's Health Activist Movement Global (WHAMglobal) are partnering with State Representative Morgan Cephas' office for the annual Birthing a Movement event series. This year's event, Opt in PA: A Panel on Postpartum Medicaid Extension, will focus on Pennsylvania opting in to extend postpartum Medicaid. The event will be held virtually on Thursday, November 4^th from 12 - 1:30pm.

President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 included a provision that gives states a new option to extend Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 1 year postpartum. The new option can take effect beginning April 1, 2022 and would be available for five years.

Medicaid covers almost half of births nationally, and 35% of births in Pennsylvania as of 2019. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity is more prevalent during the postpartum period, and impacts Black and Native American women three times higher. Conditions that contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity – such as hypertension, depression, and cardiovascular disease require longer-term care. Medicaid coverage up to a year postpartum would provide access to preventative services, and a continuity of care.

The event will feature opening remarks from Pennsylvania State Representative Morgan Cephas, 192nd Legislative District (Philadelphia), with panelists Iyanna Bridges, Founder & Owner of The Birthing Hut, Ashley Buefort, Community Health Advocate at Healthy Start, Jessica Coles, Community Health Advocate at Healthy Start, and Rochelle Jackson, Founder & Director of the Black Women's Policy Agenda.

Click here to register and enter a t-shirt raffle!