Healthcare (Women's Health)

This bill clarifies that the District of Columbia's Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) must cover and reimburse remote patient monitoring for specific health metrics during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. It specifically requires coverage for remote monitoring of blood pressure and blood glucose levels, directly affecting pregnant individuals and new mothers in DC who manage conditions like gestational hypertension (8.5% prevalence) or gestational diabetes (5% prevalence). The amendment narrows the scope of the 2013 Telehealth Reimbursement Act to focus exclusively on these two health metrics, addressing prior budget concerns about broad digital health coverage. This change aims to improve maternal health outcomes by enabling early complication detection, as supported by studies showing 43% better postpartum blood pressure control with such monitoring.

This bill requires the District of Columbia's Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) to provide comprehensive pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care to pregnant youth in its facilities. It mandates pregnancy testing upon admission, confidential healthcare within three weeks of birth (with follow-up care), counseling on family planning and mental health, and free medical supplies like breast pumps and postpartum dietary support. The law also requires DYRS to develop written policies within 60 days of enactment to implement these standards. The bill directly affects pregnant youth in DYRS custody, ensuring they receive timely, culturally responsive healthcare without cost.