In a significant move for maternal health care in the Lone Star State, Texas Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed the state's intention to extend postpartum coverage from a mere two months to a full year for those eligible under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This initiative, starting on March 1, arrives as part of the state's ongoing efforts to bolster the well-being of new mothers and their infants.

"Working with partners in the Texas Legislature last year—including Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Representative Toni Rose—we delivered critical bipartisan legislation to extend postpartum coverage for Texas mothers from two months to one year," Governor Abbott said. HHS Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young hailed the move, "Extending postpartum coverage will help new mothers access needed healthcare services,” as stated on the office of Texas Governor website.

The expanded coverage follows the enactment of House Bill 12, which Governor Abbott signed last year, aiming to alleviate some of the healthcare challenges faced by new mothers. The approval for this extended coverage is backed by Texas' successful request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services earlier in January, as reported by Governor Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

Automatic reinstatement of coverage is assured for those already enrolled in the Medicaid or CHIP programs during their pregnancy, assuming they reside in Texas. Women who had transitioned from Medicaid or CHIP to Healthy Texas Women, after their pregnancy ended will be transitioned back to full-coverage Medicaid or CHIP for the rest of their 12-month postpartum period, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced.

The coverage not only secures crucial medical checkups but also encompasses prescription drugs, vaccines, hospital care, X-rays, lab tests, and access to medical specialists and mental health care—key components in ensuring postpartum women are supported in their new chapter of motherhood. Vision and hearing services are part of the package as well, ensuring a comprehensive health regime is within reach.

With an expected 137,000 women to benefit from the extended coverage in fiscal year 2025, the ripple effect of this policy could be substantial in optimizing postpartum care. Texans interested in learning more about Medicaid and CHIP postpartum coverage can find additional information on the HHSC's Women and Children webpage or apply for these programs via YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1 and selecting Option 2.