Connected MOM Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4977
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T08:05:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act (Connected MOM Act) aims to examine and reduce obstacles to covering remote physiologic monitoring devices—tools that track health metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, weight, or blood sugar from a distance—under state Medicaid programs. The goal is to enhance maternal and child health results for pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in these programs.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is titled the "Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act" or "Connected MOM Act."
- Report to Congress: Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must deliver a report to Congress. This report will cover:
- Current legal authorities and state practices for Medicaid coverage of remote physiologic monitoring devices (examples include pulse oximeters for oxygen levels, blood pressure cuffs, scales, and blood glucose monitors).
- Limitations and barriers to such coverage.
- Effects on maternal health outcomes.
- Recommendations, where suitable, to overcome these barriers and improve health results for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid enrollees.
- State Resources Update: Within 6 months of submitting the report, the HHS Secretary must revise guidance materials for state Medicaid programs, such as telehealth toolkits, to align with the report's recommendations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not directly amend current Medicaid laws or mandates. Instead, it introduces requirements for a federal report and resource updates, which could indirectly influence state Medicaid policies by providing new guidance on remote monitoring coverage without imposing mandatory changes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will face new responsibilities to research, report, and update resources, potentially increasing administrative workload but fostering better coordination with states on telehealth.
- Citizens: Pregnant and postpartum women on Medicaid may benefit from improved access to remote monitoring devices, leading to earlier detection of health issues, better care management, and potentially lower risks of complications like preterm birth or postpartum hypertension.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. health policy.
- Overall, it could promote wider adoption of telehealth tools, enhancing equity in maternal care for low-income populations without adding new costs to Medicaid budgets immediately.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Pregnant and Postpartum Women on Medicaid: Primary beneficiaries, as the bill targets improved health monitoring and outcomes for this group.
- State Medicaid Programs: Affected through updated federal resources that may guide coverage decisions and telehealth implementation.
- Healthcare Providers and Device Manufacturers: Could see expanded opportunities for remote monitoring services and device use in Medicaid-covered care.
- Federal Government (HHS): Responsible for leading the report and resource efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill operates within existing Medicaid frameworks (a joint federal-state program), emphasizing voluntary state adoption of recommendations rather than enforceable mandates, which avoids potential federalism challenges under the U.S. Constitution's division of powers between federal and state governments.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts with constitutional principles, as it promotes public health without infringing on individual rights or state sovereignty.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in maternal health (introduced by representatives from both parties), potentially advancing telehealth equity post-COVID-19. It may influence future legislation on digital health tools, but its non-binding recommendations limit immediate controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-15: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act — issued 2025-08-15 — PDF (2 pages)