Quick signature: Tell Congress to make 12 months of postpartum Medicaid
coverage permanent!
*When you click, you’ll automatically sign on if we already have your
information.
[ [link removed] ]Take Action Now
[ [link removed] ]TAKE ACTION
Dear Friend,
“If I wasn't accepted for Medicaid, I honestly have no idea what I would
do… I experienced postpartum depression after having my daughter. It was
hard, but medical bills weren't a worry of mine because I was blessed with
covered healthcare. I feel thankful for everything I have and everything
that's to come.” - MomsRising member in Mesa, AZ
[ [link removed] ]Quick signature: Tell Congress to make 12 months of postpartum Medicaid
coverage permanent. *When you click, you’ll automatically sign on if we
already have your information.
Medicaid plays a critical role in making sure pregnant people have health
care coverage, covering nearly half of all births in the United States.
This health insurance program is especially important for people of color,
covering two-thirds of Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native
Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander births. [1] However, for many people,
coverage ends just 60 days after giving birth.
Mental health is a common pregnancy-related struggle affecting up to a
quarter of people who have recently given birth, with a higher instance
among low-income people, who are more likely to be covered by Medicaid or
CHIP. [ [link removed] ] Access to mental health services is critically important for the
well-being of the birthing person, their children, and family. Insurance
increases a person’s ability to access mental health care, so it is
especially important for people to have health insurance after giving
birth. Research has found that postpartum depression can last years after
giving birth. [ [link removed] ] However, up until recently, Medicaid coverage was only
required for 60 days postpartum. This means that for a lot of people,
coverage is being taken away right when they need it most.
What’s happening? The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 gave states the
option to extend the postpartum coverage period for Medicaid and CHIP from
60 days following pregnancy to a full year, starting in April of this
year. However, this important new provision that helps make sure birthing
parents have the health care they need—including mental health care—during
their child’s first year of life, is currently only available to states
for five years. [ [link removed] ] We have the opportunity to make this option permanent,
we just need Congress to take action!
[2]Add your name: Tell Congress to make 12 months of postpartum Medicaid
and CHIP coverage permanent!
When you click, you’ll automatically sign on to our letter that reads:
Dear Congress,
We are writing to urge you to make the option for states to offer 12
months of postpartum health coverage through Medicaid and CHIP permanent.
It is critical for birthing parents to have access to affordable medical
care during the first year of their child’s life.
Ensuring 12 months of continuous coverage after the birth of a child will
improve maternal health, support maternal mental health, ensure coverage
stability, and help to address racial disparities in maternal health. In
addition, making the policy permanent will encourage more states to adopt
the 12 month provision.
[3]Don’t forget to sign on. Tell Congress to make 12 months of postpartum
Medicaid and CHIP coverage permanent!
The more people who speak out, the bigger our impact. Please take a moment
to forward our action link to your friends and family, and to share it on
social media: [4][link removed]
Together we are a powerful voice for the health of families.
- Felicia, Tina, Donna, Kristin and the whole MomsRising / MamásConPoder
team
P.S. We want to hear about your postpartum experience! [ [link removed] ]Share your
story.
[1] Kaiser Family Foundation, [ [link removed] ]Medicaid Initiatives to Improve Maternal
and Infant Health and Address Racial Disparities
[2] Health Affairs, [ [link removed] ]Medicaid Expansion Associated With Some
Improvements In Perinatal Mental Health
[3] National Institutes of Health, [ [link removed] ]Postpartum depression may last for
years
[4] Kaiser Family Foundation, [ [link removed] ]Postpartum Coverage Extension in the
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
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