After years of opposition to expanding Medicaid benefits for new mothers, conservative, anti-abortion Republican officials in over half a dozen states are now advocating for such coverage.
Since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion last June, GOP support for postpartum Medicaid coverage is shifting in some states with limited abortion access. This change also coincides with the impending expiration of federal protections that ensure continuous Medicaid enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, Mississippi became the latest deep-red state to mandate a full year of Medicaid coverage for low-income mothers after childbirth. This came after Republican Gov. Tate Reeves proclaimed the policy part of the state’s “new pro-life agenda.” Mississippi lawmakers had rejected extended postpartum coverage thrice since 2021, but it gained traction following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
In Wyoming, where an abortion ban is legally uncertain, Republican Gov. Mark Gordon signed a bill extending postpartum Medicaid coverage on Friday, describing it as a “key pro-life legislation.”
Through Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Biden administration is urging all states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to a full year, emphasizing its importance for women’s health and well-being, their babies and families.
Despite long-standing Republican criticism of Medicaid expansion, the program covers approximately 40% of births. Most states have already extended Medicaid coverage to ensure access for up to a year after childbirth. This coverage is vital in a country where maternal deaths are increasing, with many occurring in the days or months following delivery. Research has shown that women in states with broader Medicaid coverage are less likely to be hospitalized postpartum.
However, 13 states have resisted expanding postpartum coverage for up to a year, drawing increased criticism after some of these states restricted or banned abortions last year. Among these states are Texas, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Idaho, and South Dakota, which have mostly banned abortion and offer only 60 days of postpartum Medicaid coverage.
Nevertheless, Republicans in several states rapidly advocate for expanding postpartum Medicaid coverage. Examples include South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, and Idaho state representative Megan Blanksma, all Republicans who have proposed extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months in their respective states. Missouri’s Senate recently approved a plan to expand coverage for a year, which the House will now consider.
According to experts, postpartum Medicaid coverage is vital for the health and well-being of mothers and newborns following these policy changes. Studies have shown that many maternal deaths occur after the initial 60-day coverage period, making extended coverage essential for reducing maternal mortality rates and improving health outcomes.
While some Republicans have historically opposed expanding Medicaid due to concerns about increasing welfare and costs, many are beginning to change their tune. For example, Missouri’s Republican Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin previously opposed Medicaid expansion but now supports it, acknowledging the potential impact on children if coverage is not provided.
Despite these shifts in support, there are still challenges to overcome. Last month, Wisconsin’s Democratic governor proposed extending postpartum coverage for a year. However, it has yet to be supported by the Republican-controlled Legislature.
The Biden administration’s encouragement to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage and growing support from GOP officials may lead to further expansion efforts nationwide. In states with restricted or banned abortion access, postpartum Medicaid coverage will improve the overall health and quality of life for mothers and their families.
However, it remains to be seen whether all states will eventually adopt extended postpartum Medicaid coverage, the long-term implications of these changes for maternal and child health, and the broader debate surrounding reproductive rights and healthcare access in the United States.
