At a time when maternal health outcomes in the United States remain deeply concerning, two bipartisan bills in Congress could meaningfully address the financial stress faced by families across the country. The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act (S. 1834/H.R. 3762) and  Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit Act, or NEST Act (H.R. 6096).

While these bills approach maternal health from different angles, together they reflect a growing recognition across party lines: the United States must do more to reduce the financial barriers families face during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the postpartum period.

The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act 

The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act was introduced in the Senate (S. 1834) on May 21, 2025 by Senators Hyde-Smith  (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). 

The companion bill in the House (H.R. 3762) was introduced on June 5, 2025 by Rep. Jared Golden (ME-2), Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-4), and Rep. David Valadao (CA-22). 

Medicaid enrollees do not pay for maternity care. However, women and families may pay thousands of dollars to have a baby when they receive health insurance through their employers. 

The bill would eliminate out-of-pocket maternity costs for families with employer-based health insurance by prohibiting private carriers from imposing cost-sharing.

Childbirth is associated with an increased likelihood of new medical debt, and within perinatal populations, current debt and concern over future medical costs are linked to worse mental health and higher levels of stress and depression. 

The NEST Act

The NEST Act was re-introduced on November 18, 2025 by Representatives Julia Letlow (LA-05) and Kim Schrier (WA-8) and original co-sponsors Congresswomen Marrianette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Nanette Barragan (CA-04). 

The Act authorizes an existing pilot program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute newborn supply kits through community-based organizations and hospitals. It would provide items such as diapers, wipes, breastfeeding supplies, and postpartum mental health resources, including information about the federal Maternal Mental Health Hotline.

If enacted, this bill would help reduce financial stress, improve maternal mental health, and ensure every family has access to essential newborn supplies during the most critical days after birth. Addressing the financial stress may have a positive effect on all members of the family, including improving the future mental health of the newborn. Financial and economic stress is associated with increased risk of maternal morbidity.

The legislation is championed by The Shades of Blue Project, a community-based organization in Houston, TX, and a national Black-led maternal mental health advocacy organization. The NEST Act was previously introduced in 2024 during the 118th Congress. There is not currently a companion bill in the Senate.  

Together, these bills tackle pressing financial issues that impact families across the U.S. 

We know that effective policy must recognize that physical health, mental health, and financial stability are interconnected. 

Reducing financial strain and strengthening maternal support services are not standalone goals, they are foundational to improving maternal mental health outcomes nationwide.