Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Blood Pressure MATTERS Act that would require healthcare insurers to provide pregnant and postpartum moms blood pressure monitoring devices, without cost sharing with the patient.
Require healthcare insurers to provide pregnant and postpartum mothers with blood pressure monitoring devices without cost sharing.
Occurrences
Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduces Legislation to Protect Mothers and Fight the Black Maternal Health Crisis ... introduced the Blood Pressure MATTERS Act that would require healthcare insurers to provide pregnant and postpartum moms blood pressure monitoring devices, without cost sharing with the patient.
to require coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum individuals
Evidence
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
Last Action Date Listed: May 7, 2026. Action: Ms. Williams of Georgia introduced the bill and it was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to Ways and Means and Education and Workforce. Full title: to require coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
The House Congressional Record lists H.R. 8716 by Ms. Williams of Georgia, describing it as a bill to amend federal law to require coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum individuals, and notes referral to Energy and Commerce plus Ways and Means and Education and Workforce.
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
Williams announced introduction of the Blood Pressure MATTERS Act, described as requiring insurers to provide pregnant and postpartum mothers blood pressure monitoring devices without patient cost sharing.
legacy_unverified · Source version not recorded · locator unknown
GovInfo lists H.R. 8800 as Engrossed in House with last action date July 22, 2026. Its text includes a pilot program for remote blood pressure monitoring for certain pregnant and postpartum TRICARE beneficiaries.
Assessments
Williams materially advanced the promise by introducing H.R. 8716, the Blood Pressure MATTERS Act, in the 119th Congress to require coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum individuals without cost sharing. However, the bill was only referred to committees and there is no evidence it became law or was implemented. The separate FY2027 NDAA language is narrower, limited to a TRICARE pilot for certain beneficiaries, and had only passed the House as of July 22, 2026, so it does not deliver the broader insurer mandate promised. This is a serious same-term legislative attempt but not fulfillment.
Williams introduced H.R. 8716 in the 119th Congress on May 7, 2026 to require coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum individuals, matching the promised policy. However, the available record shows only introduction and committee referral, with no enactment or implemented insurer coverage requirement. Because she materially advanced the promised outcome but it has not yet passed, the promise remains unresolved rather than delivered.