HHS Approves Postpartum Medicaid, CHIP Coverage Expansion in 4 States

Through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) granted California, Florida, Kentucky, and Oregon approval to expand Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage 12 months postpartum, improving access for more than 126,000 families.  

“The first year after giving birth is a critical period—and families deserve the peace of mind knowing they will be able to access the health care coverage they need, without interruption,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

California, Kentucky, and Oregon’s approved expansions were made possible under the American Rescue Plan, whereas Florida’s coverage is made available through a Medicaid and CHIP section 1115 demonstration.

“The American Rescue Plan gives all states an easier pathway to extend postpartum coverage beyond the critical first weeks for a new family, which can put all our communities—particularly those hard hit by health disparities—on a better course toward health and well-being,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

According to data published by the HHS Office of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), “1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths occur between one week and one year after childbirth.”

These most recent expansions follow South Carolina, Tennessee, Michigan, Louisiana, Virginia, New Jersey, and Illinois which already extended coverage from 60 days to 12 months postpartum for Medicaid and CHIP. Several states, including Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, Washington, and Connecticut, as well as the District of Columbia are actively working with CMS to follow suit.

“As a result of these efforts, as many as 720,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals across the United States, annually, could be guaranteed Medicaid and CHIP coverage for 12 months after pregnancy,” stated CMS in a press release.

Reference:
US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. HHS applauds 12-Month postpartum expansion in California, Florida, Kentucky, and Oregon. May 25, 2022. Accessed May 26, 2022. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hhs-applauds-12-month-postpartum-expansion-california-florida-kentucky-and-oregon