Rep. Bonnie Watson ColemanVerified account

First a few things we’ve accomplished recently. Last month the @appropsdems committed funds to study the impact on health outcomes of pre-authorization – a health insurance tactic that prevents patients from getting proper care in a timely manner. #HealthcareWeekend

In April I chaired the first meeting of @theblackcaucus’s Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health which will consult academics, psychologists, advocates and youth to study and find solutions to the rising number of young children committing suicide.

Last week, actress and mental health advocate @therealTaraji testified about her experience with mental health and her work with the Boris Lawrence Henson foundation to address the stigma of mental health and treatment.

Now that the US Prevention Services Task Force has given PrEP, the HIV prevention program, a grade A recommendation that private insurers must by law pay for PrEP. It’s time to double our efforts to raise awareness of this life saving medication. #healthcareweekend

My PrEP Program Assistance Act would create grants to help create prep assistance programs to help cover costs of PrEP medication, lab work and clinical care. #HealthcareWeekend

Lastly, I want to talk to you about the Healthy MOM Act, a bill I’ve introduced (with @SenSherrodBrown) to amend our healthcare rules to create a special enrollment period for pregnant women… #HealthcareWeekend

Today women must wait until they give birth to change their healthcare plan if they wish to. But the health needs of women can change drastically when they become pregnant, especially for first time mothers.