The Mississippi Insurance Department has been granted more than $600,000 to improve women’s health coverage and access to critical coverage.
The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS, through the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has launched the grant program to provide roughly $9 million to 14 states. These funds may be used to develop activities and launch educational campaigns to address disparities in access to reproductive healthcare and maternal health outcomes.
“Many Mississippi women face challenges when trying to access information about available benefits or coverage,” Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said.
“Improving access to women’s health care will save lives in our state. My office will work with experts to examine the availability of women’s health benefits, items, and services, including for preventive care, pregnancy, and childbirth, which most health insurance plans must cover under the ACA.”
Mississippi’s Insurance Division plans to perform “market conduct examinations,” which are tools to confirm insurers are delivering the required preventive health services and following applicable regulations, and will use additional funds to develop educational materials, seminars, and workshops related to women’s health.
