On January 10, 2025, Missouri lawmakers introduced House Bill 842, a legislative proposal aimed at expanding healthcare coverage for pregnant and postpartum women. The bill mandates that health benefit plans, effective from January 1, 2026, must provide coverage for home blood pressure monitoring devices and associated services. This initiative seeks to enhance maternal health by ensuring that women have access to necessary tools for monitoring their blood pressure during and after pregnancy.

Key provisions of House Bill 842 include the definition of a "home blood pressure monitoring device" and the services related to its use. These services encompass patient education, training on device setup, daily data collection, and communication of blood pressure readings to healthcare providers. The bill emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood pressure to prevent complications such as preeclampsia, which can pose serious risks to both mothers and infants.

However, the bill also includes a controversial clause that prohibits reimbursement for gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones, or puberty-blocking drugs. This aspect has sparked notable debates among lawmakers and advocacy groups, with opponents arguing that it undermines healthcare access for transgender individuals. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, assert that the focus should remain on maternal health and the specific needs of pregnant women.

The implications of House Bill 842 are significant, as it addresses critical gaps in maternal healthcare while simultaneously igniting discussions around the rights of transgender individuals in accessing medical care. Experts in maternal health have praised the bill for its potential to improve outcomes for mothers and babies, while others caution that the exclusion of gender-affirming care could lead to further marginalization of vulnerable populations.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring amendments and discussions surrounding House Bill 842, particularly regarding its dual focus on maternal health and the contentious provisions related to gender transition care. The outcome of this bill could set important precedents for healthcare policy in Missouri, impacting both maternal and transgender health services in the state.