Texas Extends Postpartum Medicaid Coverage

Pregnant or recently pregnant women might be able to get free health coverage during their pregnancy through either the Medicaid for Pregnant Women or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Perinatal programs.

Who Qualifies?

At the beginning of March, Texas joined states that have extended the period in which new moms can qualify for Medicaid insurance after giving birth. Coverage is now offered up to 12 months, 10 months beyond the required 60 days.

Women who transitioned from Medicaid or CHIP after their pregnancy ended and are still within their 12-month postpartum period, will be transitioned back to full-coverage Medicaid or CHIP for the remainder of their 12-month postpartum period. Additionally, two postpartum visits within 60 days of the end of the pregnancy are available, for women who can’t get Medicaid and don’t have health insurance.

Background

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced that more than half of all states had expanded access to 12 months of Medicaid and CHIP coverage after pregnancy, under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Maternal Health Blueprint, a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving maternal health, particularly in underserved communities.

“Avenue 360 Health + Wellness looks forward to welcoming new mothers who now have access to the needed postpartum healthcare coverage under the Medicaid extension here in Texas,” said Avenue 360 Health + Wellness CEO, Dr. Charlene Flash.

Of Note

Please note that to get Medicaid for Pregnant Women or CHIP Perinatal, you must be a Texas resident. You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen to get Medicaid for Pregnant Women. If you have other health insurance, you are not eligible for the CHIP Perinatal program.

 Coverage Details 

Medicaid for Pregnant Women includes the full array of Medicaid services while both programs cover services like:

• Prenatal doctor visits.
• Prenatal vitamins.
• Labor and delivery.
• Checkups and other benefits for the baby after leaving the hospital.

These services are provided by health plans. If you get Medicaid or CHIP Perinatal, you will choose a health plan from the ones available in your service area. For more information about the 12-month postpartum coverage, visit texashhs.org/postpartum

Make an appointment with Avenue 360 Health + Wellness by calling, 713-426-0027. Get the quality care you deserve.

The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.