TO: All Providers
RE: Postpartum Coverage Extension from 60 Days to 12 Months
The Alabama Medicaid Agency received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) to extend postpartum coverage to pregnant Medicaid recipients from 60 days to 12 months with an effective date of October 1, 2022.
Medicaid covers over half of the births in the state. To help improve maternal health, the Agency requested this postpartum coverage extension, and the Agency plans to evaluate the usage of benefits and maternal health outcomes of this pilot program (e.g., screening for clinical depression, decreasing the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy, and increasing the rate of contraceptive care).
During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), all states were required to provide continuous coverage to Medicaid recipients to be eligible for enhanced federal matching funds under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. As a result, postpartum coverage has been continuous since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
After March 31, 2023, when the continuous enrollment requirement ends, pregnant recipients will keep their Medicaid coverage until 12 months after their pregnancy ends. It will then be determined if they are eligible for other Medicaid programs, ALL Kids, or refer them to the Federal Marketplace.
For questions related to the maternity services, please email Travis.Houser@Medicaid.Alabama.gov.
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