Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects 5% to 10% of pregnancies, which is a 25% increase during the past two decades. When hypertension is left uncontrolled it can result in complications including preeclampsia, eclampsia, preterm delivery, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a leading cause of maternal, neonatal, and fetal morbidity and mortality with black women having the highest mortalities at 42.8 per 100,000 live births.
 
Early identification and intervention of hypertension is crucial to the health of mother or birthing person and baby. Remote blood pressure monitoring has proven to be a reliable, effective strategy in achieving improved blood pressure control and averts costly and preventable complications.
 
For these reasons, I will be introducing legislation to expand our Medical Assistance programs to cover blood pressure monitors for home use as a pregnancy-related service on a per pregnancy basis. Please join me in support of this important legislation for maternal health and well-being.