Representative Jennifer Mandelbaum joins bipartisan delegation to Arkansas to bring maternal health solutions to New Hampshire

In a proactive step toward improving maternal healthcare in New Hampshire, Rep. Jennifer Mandelbaum recently joined a bipartisan group of state legislators from across the country on a legislative visit to Arkansas to study that state’s Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Act, a comprehensive approach to improving maternal and infant health outcomes, particularly in rural communities. She attended the trip as part of her role as a Future Caucus Innovation Fellow, a two-year program uniting 64 emerging leaders from 34 states to bridge political divides and address critical community issues.

During the Arkansas visit, legislators saw firsthand how that state’s model is delivering results. Key provisions of Arkansas’ Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Act include expanded access to telehealth for prenatal care, presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, and separate Medicaid reimbursement for up to 14 prenatal and postnatal visits. The law also allocates funding for doulas and community health workers.

“Arkansas’ model shows what’s possible when there’s bipartisan commitment to maternal and infant health,” Rep. Mandelbaum said. “Their success underscores the need for coordinated care that brings together healthcare providers, community organizations, and public institutions to make sure no family falls through the cracks.”

As New Hampshire prepares for the 2026 legislative session, Rep. Mandelbaum and her colleagues aim to bring the lessons from Arkansas home. Their goal is to create a system where all Granite State families, no matter their ZIP code, have access to the care and support they need for a healthy pregnancy, safe delivery, and strong start to parenthood.