The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently approved an extension of Michigan Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage for 12 months after pregnancy, up from 60 days, effective April 1, 2022. This coverage extension is expected to apply to approximately 16,000 pregnant and postpartum women in Michigan and is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to address the national crisis in pregnancy-related mortality, morbidity and disparities in maternal health outcomes by continuing postpartum care. The MHA has advocated for this type of coverage for several years and appreciates members’ engagement on this issue.
This coverage is critical to maternal health, as a frequent complication of pregnancy is postpartum depression. On average, postpartum depression is diagnosed six months after the birth of a child. Ending coverage after 60 days increases the risk that the depression goes undetected and is not treated.
The CMS’s approval of the Michigan state plan amendment is available online, as is the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services final policy implementing this coverage extension. Members with questions should contact Vickie Kunz at the MHA.