The Connected MOM Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to produce a report within 18 months that details authorities and state practices for covering remote physiologic monitoring devices under State Medicaid programs. The report will identify limitations and barriers to coverage and assess the impact on maternal health outcomes, with device-specific recommendations to address gaps.
The bill also requires the Secretary to update resources for State Medicaid programs within 6 months after the report to align with the recommendations, including telehealth toolkits and related guidance. The goal is to clarify coverage pathways for devices such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, scales, and blood glucose monitors used by pregnant and postpartum women, and to support states in improving maternal health outcomes through better access to remote monitoring.
At a Glance
What It Does
Reforms Medicaid coverage analysis by requiring a Congress-bound report within 18 months on coverage of remote physiologic monitoring devices and mandates an update to state Medicaid resources within 6 months after the report.
Who It Affects
Directly affects state Medicaid programs and the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as well as pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid who could benefit from remote monitoring.
Why It Matters
Establishes a data-driven basis to address coverage barriers and aligns state practices with identified gaps, potentially improving maternal health outcomes for Medicaid enrollees.
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What This Bill Actually Does
The bill creates a two-part framework focused on Medicaid coverage of devices that remotely monitor physiology during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Section 2(a) requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress within 18 months detailing how remote monitoring devices are covered under state Medicaid programs, what authorities exist, what barriers states face, and how coverage affects maternal health outcomes.
It also asks for recommendations on how to address these barriers for devices like pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, scales, and glucose monitors. Section 2(b) obligates the Secretary to update state Medicaid resources, including telehealth toolkits, within 6 months after the report to reflect the recommendations.
The act’s aim is to provide a clearer path for coverage and to equip states with guidance to implement best practices that support maternal and child health outcomes. The bill is focused on analysis and guidance rather than funding or mandate, leaving the policy actions to Congress and state programs based on the report’s findings.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The bill requires a report to Congress within 18 months on coverage of remote physiologic monitoring devices under State Medicaid.
It specifies devices such as pulse oximeters, BP cuffs, scales, and glucose monitors included in the scope.
The report must cover authorities, state practices, coverage barriers, and maternal health outcomes.
The Secretary must update State Medicaid resources within 6 months after the report to align with recommendations.
The act lacks funding or explicit mandates; implementation depends on subsequent policy decisions by Congress and states.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Short Title
Designates the act as the Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act, or the Connected MOM Act.
Report to Congress on coverage barriers
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit within 18 months a report detailing authorities and state practices for covering remote physiologic monitoring devices under State Medicaid. The report must identify limitations and barriers to coverage, assess the impact on maternal health outcomes, and, to the extent appropriate, offer recommendations on how to address these barriers (including devices like pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs, scales, and glucose monitors).
State resources updates
Not later than 6 months after the submission of the report, the Secretary shall update resources for State Medicaid programs (such as telehealth toolkits) to be consistent with the report’s recommendations.
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Every bill creates winners and losers. Here's who stands to gain and who bears the cost.
Who Benefits
- Pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in Medicaid who could gain more reliable access to remote monitoring devices when coverage barriers are removed.
- State Medicaid agencies gain clearer guidance and updated resources to shape coverage policies.
- Obstetricians, midwives, and other maternal-health clinicians who rely on remote monitoring data to manage care.
- State health departments and Medicaid policy offices that oversee program guidance and implementation.
- Telehealth platform and remote-monitoring device vendors serving Medicaid populations that respond to clearer coverage expectations.
Who Bears the Cost
- Federal government (HHS) bears the cost of preparing the required report and updating resources.
- State Medicaid programs may incur administrative costs to align coverage practices with the recommendations and to update toolkit materials.
- Hospitals and health systems serving Medicaid populations may experience some workflow and administrative changes as guidance is implemented (costs are contingent on actions taken by states).
- Telehealth platforms and device vendors could face costs to align with updated Medicaid guidance and documentation requirements.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central dilemma is whether guiding action through a report and updated resources is sufficient to overcome coverage barriers without providing funding or enforcement, potentially delaying tangible improvements in access to remote monitoring for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid beneficiaries.
The bill relies on a reporting and guidance mechanism to influence coverage of remote monitoring devices rather than mandating new funding or direct coverage expansions. While the required report could illuminate barriers and best practices, the absence of explicit funding or a mandatory coverage expansion means real-world impact depends on future action by Congress and state Medicaid programs.
A key question is whether the report’s recommendations will translate into costed policy changes and whether states have the administrative capacity to implement updated resources and new coverage pathways at scale.
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