Postpartum depression education bill passes Alabama House

A bill that would require education and screening for postpartum depression for mothers with Medicaid coverage passed the Alabama House of Representatives unanimously on Tuesday.

HB 322, sponsored by Rep. Frances Holk-Jones, R-Foley, requires the Alabama Department of Public Health to educate its employees on the depression that affects 12-16% of women after giving birth.

“It further requires doctors and other health care professionals to assess, have a conversation, regarding postpartum depression,” Holk-Jones said.

The legislation passed with a committee substitute that removed a requirement that the Alabama Medicaid Agency to cover postpartum depression screening and treatment. Holk-Jones said the agency was taken out of because the agency independently decides what medical services it will cover.

“Medicaid made those changes without the legislation,” she said.

Medicaid expanded its postpartum coverage from 60 days to a year in 2023, which includes mental health coverage. 

The bill now goes to the Senate.