By: TAHP | Thursday, January 18, 2024

What’s new: CMS has approved Texas as the 43rd state to extend full Medicaid and CHIP coverage for new mothers to 12 months post-delivery, starting March 1st.

• Coverage will be automatically reinstated for new moms who lost Medicaid coverage prior to the approval, but are still 12 months postpartum.

Why it matters: Medicaid is the largest single payer of maternity care in Texas, covering 50% of all births. This extension is crucial for improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality.

• The previous two-month coverage limit was a significant barrier for Medicaid MCOs in enhancing care for new mothers.

TAHP believes every Texan deserves access to affordable, comprehensive health care coverage—regardless of income, health status, or pre-existing condition.

Acknowledging legislative efforts: TAHP thanks Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Representative Toni Rose for their pivotal roles in passing HB 12. Their dedication and leadership was instrumental in advancing this crucial Medicaid coverage extension for Texas mothers. This legislation is a testament to their commitment to improving maternal health care in our state.

A Decade of Advocacy from TAHP:

• On Mother’s Day in 2015, TAHP’s CEO Jamie Dudensing penned an op-ed in the Waco Tribune-Herald arguing for extended postpartum care and more support for new moms in Texas.
• TAHP consistently supported legislation for 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage, as seen in our session guides from the 86th, 87th, and 88th legislative sessions.
• TAHP joined 160 organizations in support of HB 12 in the last session.

What we’re saying: “As a mother, former labor and delivery nurse and someone who has helped craft health care policy in state government, I know the importance of improving maternal care and ensuring every mother in Texas is getting the prenatal and postpartum care she needs,” said TAHP CEO, Jamie Dudensing. “This extended Medicaid coverage is a significant step to making sure that future mothers in Texas have the best care and support possible.”

The bottom line: This new Medicaid coverage policy paves the way for better health outcomes for mothers and babies, and our Texas MCOs stand ready to provide this important coverage.