Today in Washington, Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) reintroduced H.R. 4074, known as the Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act. This bill aims to enhance maternal postpartum health by instructing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide guidance on covering Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (PHPT) for postpartum mothers under Medicaid, as per title XIX of the Social Security Act.
The importance of quality postpartum care is highlighted by the fact that many women experience pelvic floor dysfunction and diastasis recti abdominis after childbirth. These conditions can cause significant pain but are treatable with Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. Many women, however, remain unaware of this therapy’s availability. A Pelvic Health Physical Therapist can offer a treatment plan to improve muscle control, mobility, tissue repair, and recovery from cesarean sections.
Rep. Bacon expressed his commitment to supporting postpartum women by stating, “As a husband, father, and grandfather, I recognize the importance of supporting postpartum women…Our care for women should extend to postpartum recovery.”
Rep. Trahan emphasized the necessity of addressing women’s postpartum health concerns: “Far too often, women’s postpartum health concerns are overlooked or dismissed…The Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act is a commonsense step toward making Pelvic Health Physical Therapy more accessible for new mothers.”
H.R. 4074 represents progress toward ensuring quality postpartum care is available to all women. With around three million births annually in the United States, there are three million potential beneficiaries of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy each year.
Healthcare professionals and organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association support this bill. Kim Parker-Guerrero from APTA stated: “APTA Pelvic Health is proud to continue our collaboration with Congress…This important legislation will ensure new mothers have access to the vital education and support needed.”
Gail Zitterkopf from APTA also showed enthusiasm for H.R. 4074’s reintroduction: “This grassroots-inspired bill will positively impact and enhance lives through ensuring pelvic health physical therapy for those who are pregnant.”
