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Social Determinants for Moms Act

USA117th CongressS-851| Senate 
| Updated: 3/18/2021
Richard Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (1)
Jon Ossoff (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline
Mar 9, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-943
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
Mar 18, 2021
Introduced in Senate
Mar 18, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • March 9, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-943
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.


  • March 18, 2021
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 18, 2021
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Health

Related Bills

  • HR 117-959: Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021
  • S 117-4486: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022
  • HR 117-943: Social Determinants for Moms Act
  • HR 117-7585: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022
  • S 117-346: Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021
  • HR 117-8862: PRO–LIFE Act of 2022
Advisory bodiesAir qualityChild care and developmentChild healthCommunity life and organizationCongressional oversightDisability and paralysisDomestic violence and child abuseEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental healthFamily servicesFederal officialsFood assistance and reliefGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth care coverage and accessHealth care qualityHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnelHealth programs administration and fundingHealth technology, devices, suppliesHomelessness and emergency shelterHousing and community development fundingHousing industry and standardsHousing supply and affordabilityMedicaidMedicareMental healthMilitary personnel and dependentsMinority healthNutrition and dietPoverty and welfare assistanceRacial and ethnic relationsSex and reproductive healthSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsTransportation safety and securityWater qualityWomen's health

Social Determinants for Moms Act

USA117th CongressS-851| Senate 
| Updated: 3/18/2021
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 9, 2021

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 117-943
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
Mar 18, 2021
Introduced in Senate
Mar 18, 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • March 9, 2021

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 117-943
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.


  • March 18, 2021
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 18, 2021
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Richard Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (1)
Jon Ossoff (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Health

Related Bills

  • HR 117-959: Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021
  • S 117-4486: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022
  • HR 117-943: Social Determinants for Moms Act
  • HR 117-7585: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2022
  • S 117-346: Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021
  • HR 117-8862: PRO–LIFE Act of 2022
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Advisory bodiesAir qualityChild care and developmentChild healthCommunity life and organizationCongressional oversightDisability and paralysisDomestic violence and child abuseEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchEnvironmental healthFamily servicesFederal officialsFood assistance and reliefGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth care coverage and accessHealth care qualityHealth information and medical recordsHealth personnelHealth programs administration and fundingHealth technology, devices, suppliesHomelessness and emergency shelterHousing and community development fundingHousing industry and standardsHousing supply and affordabilityMedicaidMedicareMental healthMilitary personnel and dependentsMinority healthNutrition and dietPoverty and welfare assistanceRacial and ethnic relationsSex and reproductive healthSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsTransportation safety and securityWater qualityWomen's health