Congress 117 - HR 943 - Social Determinants for Moms Act

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Advisory bodies Air quality Child care and development Child health Community life and organization Congressional oversight Disability and paralysis Environmental assessment, monitoring, research Environmental health Family services Federal officials Food assistance and relief Government information and archives Government studies and investigations Health Health care coverage and access Health care quality Health information and medical records Health personnel Health programs administration and funding Health technology, devices, supplies Homelessness and emergency shelter Housing and community development funding Housing industry and standards Housing supply and affordability Medicaid Medicare Minority health Nutrition and diet Poverty and welfare assistance Racial and ethnic relations Sex and reproductive health Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations Transportation safety and security Water quality Women's health

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Summary

Social Determinants for Moms Act

This bill directs various federal departments to address social determinants of maternal health. These are nonclinical factors, such as economic or social factors, that impact maternal health outcomes.

First, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must convene a task force to coordinate federal efforts on social determinants of maternal health. HHS must also award grants to

support access to free child care during prenatal and postpartum appointments; and
address social determinants of, and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in, maternal health.

Second, the Department of Housing and Urban Development must award grants to community-based organizations and government entities to assist pregnant and postpartum individuals with affordable housing. Grantees may use funds to, for example, provide individuals with direct financial assistance.

Third, the Department of Transportation must report on transportation barriers that prevent pregnant and postpartum individuals from accessing health care and other services.

Fourth, the bill extends to 24 months the postpartum eligibility period for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Currently, WIC eligibility lasts for six months postpartum or one year for those breastfeeding. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must evaluate the impact of this extension. USDA must also establish a grant program to deliver healthy foods and supplies to pregnant and postpartum individuals in food deserts.

Last, the Environmental Protection Agency must enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study the impact of environmental conditions and contaminants on maternal and infant health outcomes.

Actions

Mar 9, 2021

Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
Feb 9, 2021

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Feb 9, 2021

Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Feb 8, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 8, 2021

Introduced in House

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