House Passes Build Back Better Package With Key Advances for Health Equity  

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act. The legislation contains key health care provisions, including a plan to close the Medicaid coverage gap, which would expand health care to more than 800,000 women of reproductive age; implements key components of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and includes mandatory, permanent extension of Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum; improves the affordability of health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act; provides paid family leave for four weeks; and provides deportation protections and work permits for immigrants. Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, celebrated today’s House vote.   

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“Today’s vote in the House is a historic step toward promoting health equity and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care. The investments in maternal health, closing the Medicaid coverage gap, and establishing paid family leave, among many other important investments, will make a tangible improvement in the health and lives of Americans. Build Back Better will particularly and positively affect people of color, people with low incomes, and people who live in rural areas — the same people who face tremendous barriers to affordable and accessible health care. The Senate must immediately take this package up so we can build back better for the American people.” 

Medicaid is the largest payer of reproductive health care in the nation. Last month, Planned Parenthood Federation of America published new state-focused fact sheets in the 12 states that have refused to expand Medicaid to highlight why closing the Medicaid coverage gap is critical to expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care. 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S