Federal Policy
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Two Federal Bills Could Provide Relief to Mothers
Two bipartisan bills — the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act and the NEST Act — aim to reduce the financial strain families face during pregnancy and postpartum, a stressor closely linked to worse maternal mental health outcomes. By eliminating out-of-pocket maternity costs and expanding access to essential newborn supplies and postpartum mental health resources,…
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New Federal Actions Signal Momentum for Mental Health Programs and Addiction Recovery
The White House and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced a new recovery initiative and $794 million in block grant funding for mental health and substance use services—moves that could significantly impact maternal mental health and family-centered behavioral health reform.
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Congress Passes 2026 Funding Bill with Targeted Investments in Maternal Health
On February 3, the House of Representatives bill H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 was signed into law following negotiations to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the funding bills. This “minibus” bill package included the Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) bill, which includes maternal and child health (MCH) initiatives.
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Protecting PRAMS: A Critical Data Source for Maternal Mental Health
On January 20, 2026, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health submitted a formal letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expressing strong support for continued funding of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).
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Statement to Senate Finance Committee on Rising Health Care Costs
This commentary calls for stronger healthcare systems and immediate policy action to address rising costs and expand access to maternal mental health services.
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Trump Signs SUPPORT Act Reauthorization, Strengthening Substance Use Programs Through 2030
The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 renews key substance use disorder programs through 2030, with provisions supporting pregnant and postpartum women. The Policy Center highlights the critical intersection of SUD and maternal mental health and the need for full funding and strong agency implementation.
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How Maternal Mental Health is Impacted by CMS’s Final 2026 Physician Fee Schedule
Learn how CMS’s 2026 Physician Fee Schedule impacts maternal mental health care, reimbursement, telehealth access, and support for OB and behavioral health providers.
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Our Feedback On CMS’ Physician Fee Schedule
The Policy Center submitted a letter in response to the CMS Proposed Physician Fee Schedule regarding gleaning insights from our partners at the Health Care Transformation Task Force, Mental Health Leadership Group, and others.
