In a landmark decision, Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) have proudly announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have given the green light to Texas’ request for an extension of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage. This significant move extends postpartum coverage from the existing two months to a much-needed 12 months after pregnancy.
Governor Abbott expressed his satisfaction with the CMS approval, citing the bipartisan effort that led to the passage of a crucial law during the recent regular legislative session. This law, known as House Bill 12, marks a pivotal moment in Texas healthcare, offering an extended safety net for new mothers. The Governor extended his gratitude to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, and Representative Toni Rose for their unwavering commitment to ensuring this vital postpartum extension is available to mothers in need across the state.
“I was proud to sign a crucial bipartisan law that extends postpartum coverage for Texas mothers from two to 12 months,” Governor Abbott stated, emphasizing the positive impact this extension will have on mothers seeking high-quality healthcare throughout the state.
HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young expressed her gratitude to Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for their commitment to supporting families. She highlighted the significance of the 12-month postpartum coverage, recognizing its potential to provide access to high-quality healthcare for mothers across the state.
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The legislation, set to take effect on March 1, 2024, originated from House Bill 12, championed by Governor Abbott. Under the new provisions, individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP who are pregnant or become pregnant will be automatically enrolled for a comprehensive 12-month postpartum coverage period. Services covered by Medicaid and CHIP include prenatal doctor visits, prenatal vitamins, labor and delivery, and postpartum checkups.
Notably, coverage will be automatically reinstated for individuals not currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, provided they were enrolled in Texas while pregnant and are still within their 12-month postpartum period. This reinstated coverage will be effective for the remainder of their postpartum period as long as they maintain Texas residency.
Additionally, women enrolled in Healthy Texas Women within their 12-month postpartum period will undergo a seamless transition back to full-coverage Medicaid or CHIP for the duration of their postpartum period.
The state of Texas anticipates that approximately 137,000 women will benefit from the 12-month postpartum coverage in the fiscal year 2025. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the healthcare needs of new mothers and ensure a smoother transition into the postpartum period.
To facilitate the application process for Medicaid or CHIP, individuals are encouraged to call 2-1-1 and choose Option 2 or visit YourTexasBenefits.com. The extension of postpartum coverage represents a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of Texas mothers and their families, marking a positive milestone in the state’s commitment to healthcare accessibility.
