In a move that’s sure to promote better health outcomes for newborns and their mothers, nearly every state has extended Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months.
Insuring Mothers’ Birth and Beyond
The 2021 American Rescue Plan Act gave states a streamlined path to expand coverage for women eligible for Medicaid only because they were expecting, a category often dubbed “pregnancy Medicaid.” The public insurer covers four in 10 births in the U.S. and while infants retain their Medicaid coverage, many new moms lost their insurance after just two months.
Of the 50 states, only Arkansas has yet to enact the policy change, though Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R) introduced a bill at the beginning of the state’s 2025 legislative session to make use of the federal pathway. Of note, Wisconsin’s extended coverage lasts through day 90, as opposed to the full year, but the state extended coverage from the initial 60-day cutoff.
Extended Coverage Benefits Mom and Baby
Complications are most likely to arise in the months following childbirth. And while they decline with time, many new moms still experience postpartum-related events in the year after giving birth. Expanding postpartum coverage ensures new mothers continued access to urgent health services as well as ongoing support for managing chronic conditions.
Data show deaths from overdose and suicide are more likely to occur after the historic 60-day pregnancy-Medicaid coverage window ended. Providing uninterrupted coverage to mental health care is critical to preventing these deaths, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Protecting Gains for the Future
The progress made across the country expand coverage reflects the growing recognition of postpartum health needs. States that have extended coverage would be wise to protect these policies that recognize the importance of access to quality medical care at a critical time.
The ongoing provision of health care for new mothers is vital to improving their health while also benefiting their newborn babies.
