Oral Health for Moms Act

Oral Health for Moms Act

This bill expands access to oral health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Specifically, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and health insurance plans in the individual and small-group markets must provide coverage for oral health services for pregnant and postpartum individuals.

The federal government must cover, subject to certain exceptions, the costs of oral health services provided through Medicaid and CHIP, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must publish measures to assess the quality of oral health services provided through those public insurance programs.

In addition, HHS must consult with tribal nations and organizations to improve the oral health of pregnant individuals, postpartum individuals, and infants in tribal populations.

The bill also establishes grants and programs for purposes related to maternal oral health, including

• to promote good oral health practices among, and share information about oral health benefits with, pregnant and postpartum individuals in public insurance programs;
• to expand access to oral health services through federally qualified health centers; and
• to train maternal health providers about oral health during the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Furthermore, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission must report on issues related to maternal oral health.