Postpartum Coverage – Medicaid and CHIP Extension

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that New York has extended comprehensive coverage after pregnancy through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for 12 months. This extension of coverage is part of the CMS Maternity Care Action Plan, which aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Maternal Health Blueprint, aimed at improving maternal health, particularly in underserved communities. With this development, New York becomes the 35th state approved for extended postpartum coverage, made possible by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) and made permanent by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA, 2023).

The extension of coverage in New York will make approximately 26,000 more people eligible for Medicaid for an entire year after pregnancy. Medicaid currently covers 41% of all births in the United States and over half of all children. With New York’s approval, an estimated 509,000 Americans in 35 states and the District of Columbia can now access extended postpartum coverage. People nationwide could be guaranteed Medicaid and CHIP coverage for 12 months after pregnancy.

What is Postpartum Coverage in Healthcare?

Postpartum coverage is refers to health benefits for pregnant ladies giving after birth. Postpartum care apply for medical care, insurance policies, public programs like Medicaid.

1- Medical Care:

Postpartum care covers the period after childbirth traditionally up to 6 weeks, but now often recognized as up to 12 months postpartum.
Typical coverage includes:

• Postpartum checkups – blood pressure, healing, mood, etc.)
• Lactation support and breastfeeding counseling
• Mental health screening and treatment
• Contraceptive counseling
• Management of chronic conditions
• Pelvic floor care and physical recovery

2- Health Insurance Coverage

Private or Public Insurance plans are required under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to cover postpartum care as part of essential maternity and newborn benefits.

3- Medicaid Postpartum Coverage

Medicaid covered people up to 60 days postpartum. Due to federal changes (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021), states can now extend postpartum coverage to 12 months.

Here the Key points of this announcement of Postpartum coverage in Medicaid and CHIP extension as mentioned below:

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that New York has extended comprehensive coverage through Medicaid and CHIP for 12 months after pregnancy.

• This extension is part of the CMS Maternity Care Action Plan, aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Maternal Health Blueprint.

• New York becomes the 35th state to receive approval for extended postpartum coverage, made possible by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA, 2023).

• Up to 26,000 people in New York will be eligible for Medicaid for an entire year after pregnancy.

• Medicaid covers 41% of all births in the U.S. and over half of all children there.

• An estimated 509,000 Americans across 35 states and the District of Columbia now have access to extended postpartum coverage.

• If all states adopt this option, up to 720,000 people in the U.S. could be guaranteed Medicaid and CHIP coverage for 12 months after pregnancy.

• The Biden-Harris Administration prioritizes expanding access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.

• States can extend postpartum coverage through Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to 12 months.

• New York joins several other states already extending coverage, such as Alabama, California, Florida, and more.

• This extension addresses disparities in maternal health outcomes and provides postpartum care for hundreds of thousands of individuals.

• Recent data shows an increase in maternal mortality rates, highlighting the importance of postpartum care.

• The postpartum period is critical for recovery, managing complications, ensuring mental health, caring for infants, and transitioning to primary care.

The postpartum period is critical for recovering from childbirth, managing complications, ensuring mental health, caring for infants, and transitioning to primary care.

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