Senate committee forwards bill to expand Medicaid remote monitoring for pregnancy

Delegate LaVere Bowling presented HB425 as a targeted maternal‑health measure to strengthen Medicaid coverage for remote patient monitoring during pregnancy and the full postpartum year for high‑risk people and those aged 35 or older at estimated delivery.

"HB 4 25 is a targeted maternal health measure that strengthens Medicaid coverage for remote patient monitoring during pregnancy and through 12 months postpartum," Delegate LaVere Bowling told the committee, emphasizing that provider determination of medical necessity and remote monitoring can reduce complications and help rural families access care.

Chair described the bill as consistent with prior omnibus maternal‑health initiatives and noted the committee would refer the measure to the Senate Finance Committee for fiscal review. The clerk recorded the roll: Ayes 15, No 0.

Why it matters: The bill would expand Medicaid‑funded remote monitoring, which advocates say allows earlier intervention and could reduce disparities in maternal outcomes. Finance review will assess any state fiscal impact before the bill advances further in the Senate.

What’s next: HB425 was reported and sent to Senate Finance for fiscal analysis and potential amendments; the committee record shows unanimous support at the hearing.

Provenance: HB425 was introduced and discussed in SEG 706–763; vote recorded SEG 756–763.