Improving Maternal Health and Well-Being through Medicaid/CHIP Postpartum Coverage Extensions
This policy brief outlines how extending postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage can improve maternal health outcomes, reduce disparities, and strengthen continuity of care during the critical first year after childbirth.
Extending postpartum coverage under Medicaid and CHIP from 60 days to 12 months can significantly improve maternal health outcomes, especially for Black, Indigenous, and low-income women who face higher risks of complications and mortality after childbirth.
It reviews the policy context and legislative opportunities created by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), examines state-level adoption trends, and presents evidence that longer coverage supports better mental health care, chronic condition management, and continuity of care. The brief also offers recommendations for ensuring equitable implementation and maximizing the public health impact of these coverage extensions.
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