Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs ‘Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act' into law
VIDEO: Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs multiple bills into law Thursday
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law legislation aimed at improving maternal health outcomes in the Natural State.
According to a release from the governor's office, Sanders signed HB1427, known as the 'Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act,' into law on Thursday.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces 'Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act' for maternal health
According to the bill's Senate sponsor, Sen. Missy Irvin (R-Mountain View), the legislation aims to provide additional financial support for pregnant mothers.
When the legislation was announced, House bill sponsor Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville) said it restructures fundamentals in provisions for moms.
'The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act strengthens maternal care in Arkansas by unbundling the global payment, increasing provider reimbursements, and expanding access to telemedicine,' Pilkington said earlier in the month. 'This bill also improves pregnancy outcomes by empowering community health workers and ensuring Medicaid coverage for expectant mothers.'
The bill does not extend postpartum coverage for 12 months post-birth.
The bill was also filed in the Senate as SB213.
Committee sends plan to improve maternal mortality, infant health in Arkansas to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Multiple government reports have shown Arkansas ranking poorly in the nation for both maternal and infant mortality.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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