LANGLEY PARK, MD – Members of the immigrant advocacy powerhouse CASA, Maryland State Delegates Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Jheanelle Wilkins, along with healthcare professionals and community partners, celebrated the first anniversary of the implementation of the Healthy Babies Equity Act. This landmark legislation expands Medicaid to cover prenatal and postpartum care to all pregnant people regardless of immigration status. A year later, this law has successfully covered about 12,000 Marylanders, which was recognized at CASA’s Langley Park headquarters.

The Maryland Department of Health via Maryland Medicaid implements the program for all Maryland residents who are pregnant and meet the income requirements. Baltimore City resident Maryina Castro benefited from the program when she was pregnant.

“This law is very important for everyone. As a mother, I felt much safer knowing that my baby and I had a doctor to count on in case of a medical emergency. This coverage saves lives,” she said. Maryina got pregnant at 37 years old and had been paying for her care out-of-pocket at community clinics. She suffered from high blood pressure and nausea throughout her pregnancy.

Bill sponsor Dr. Clarence Lam, Maryland State Senator, stated, “As the Senate sponsor, I am proud of the ongoing success of the Maryland Healthy Babies Act. Because of this law, thousands of babies and their mothers were able to access prenatal care that they would have otherwise not been able to receive. Our law makes these families healthier and supports the health of our entire state.”

“We fight for days like today, where our legislative victories make a life-changing difference,” said Gustavo Torres, CASA’s executive director. “Healthcare is a fundamental human right, from pregnancy and beyond.”

CASA member Anita Achu, an immigrant from Cameroon, is grateful for the passage of the Healthy Babies Equity Act. She said, “As I am expecting my child, I am happy because through this health coverage, I know that I am having a healthy baby. I am grateful to CASA for helping to get this law passed and everything they do for the community.”

“Let’s continue to stand together to ensure that every mother and baby receive the care they deserve,” said Jheanelle Wilkins, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. “This also means ensuring that moms have access to vital services even after delivery. It also means ensuring that other family members are strong and healthy to care for their babies. It also means ensuring that families don’t go into debilitating medical debt that puts a strain on family finances.”

Many at the event acknowledged the need for comprehensive, affordable healthcare for all, including program participants. One such bill being proposed is the Prince George’s County Cares bill CB-47-24. The Prince George’s Cares and Health Reimbursement Act seeks to protect existing programs serving the uninsured and create a more sustainable, comprehensive scope of services for Prince George’s County residents.

Torres closed, “This is one page in our story of building a Maryland where everyone has access to quality healthcare. Led by immigrants across Maryland, this victory reflects the community’s tireless efforts to ensure that all people, regardless of their immigration status, receive the dignity, respect, and life-saving care they deserve.”

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With over 173,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its power building model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.wearecasa.org