In a significant stride toward maternal health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proudly announced today that Missouri has taken a step by extending coverage for postpartum individuals through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for a full 12 months.
This progressive move, making Missouri the 40th state to approve such extended Medicaid coverage, reflects a pivotal achievement in the implementation of the CMS Maternity Care Action Plan and underscores the commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance maternal health, particularly in underserved communities.
40 U.S. States Now Have Extended Medicaid Postpartum Coverage
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra expressed his applause for Missouri’s decision, emphasizing the importance of today’s announcement in addressing the nation’s maternal mortality and morbidity crisis. “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving maternal health,” he stated. Secretary Becerra urged all remaining states to follow suit and extend postpartum coverage.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure echoed this sentiment, expressing delight that Missouri has joined the ranks of states extending postpartum coverage, making it the 40th state to do so. She reiterated the administration’s dedication to prioritizing maternal health until every state and U.S. territory can provide pregnant women and their families the crucial lifeline of extended health coverage.
This transcendental decision means that up to an additional 18,000 people in Missouri will now be eligible for Medicaid for a full year after pregnancy. With Medicaid covering 41% of all births in the nation and over half of all children, the approval of Missouri’s plan ensures that an estimated 641,000 Americans across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands now have access to extended postpartum coverage.
If all states were to adopt this option, as many as 720,000 people across the United States could be guaranteed Medicaid and CHIP coverage for 12 months after pregnancy.
States That Offer After Pregnancy Full-Year Medicaid Coverage
The states and territories that officer a full-year Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals, after the childbirth, are:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina (adopted but still not implemented)
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
What’s Covered During Medicare’s Postpartum Period?
Medicaid Postpartum Coverage typically ensures that eligible mothers continue to receive essential healthcare services beyond the usual postpartum period. This extension recognizes the importance of ongoing care for mothers as they navigate the challenges and joys of early motherhood.
Under Medicaid, postpartum coverage often includes a range of services such as preventive care, maternal health screenings, and access to medical professionals who specialize in postpartum care. This extended coverage aims to address the diverse needs of mothers during this transformative time, offering both physical and emotional support.
If you have specific questions about Medicaid Postpartum Coverage in your state or region, we strongly recommend reaching out to your local Medicaid office for personalized information.