Clinical Report: Monitoring Extensions of Medicaid Coverage for Postpartum Care

Background

Medicaid finances approximately 40% of births in the U.S., with federal law mandating coverage for 60 days postpartum. The recent legislative changes reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive postpartum care.

Data Highlights

As of July 15, 2026, nearly every state and territory has opted to extend postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months.

Key Findings

• The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 allows states to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months.
• This extension became permanent with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.
• CMS released guidance on implementing the 12-month extension on December 7, 2021.
• States have utilized section 1115 waivers or state funds to implement extensions prior to April 1, 2022.
• Almost all states have opted to extend postpartum coverage, reflecting a shift towards improved maternal health policies.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the extended Medicaid coverage options available to postpartum individuals.

Conclusion

The extension of Medicaid postpartum coverage is a legislative change that affects maternal health care.

Related Resources & Content

1. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Extension Tracker, 2026 -- Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Extensions: Approved and Pending State Action
2. CMS, Maternal Health, 2023 -- Maternal Health
3. CMS, FAQs on Extending Postpartum Coverage for Medicaid and CHIP, 2023 -- CMS Releases FAQs on Extending Postpartum Coverage for Medicaid and CHIP
4. ADA News — Pregnant, postpartum Medicaid enrollees to have dental coverage at least 60 days after pregnancy
5. JAMA Network Open — Reduced Medicaid Retroactive Eligibility and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer
6. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — A Look at New or Expanded Medicaid and Public Health Partnerships from 2025: Findings from A Survey of State Medicaid Programs
7. ADA News — CMS adds new DQA quality measure for oral evaluations during pregnancy
8. Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Extension Tracker | KFF
9. Maternal Health | CMS
10. CMS Releases FAQs on Extending Postpartum Coverage for Medicaid and CHIP
11. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Postpartum visit checklists for normal pregnancy and complicated pregnancy - SMFM Publications and Clinical Guidelines
12. Quality ID #134: Preventive Care and Screening: Screening for Depression and Follow-Up Plan
13. Core Set of Children’s Health Care Quality
14. Final Recommendation Statement: Perinatal Depression: Preventive Interventions | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
15. Draft Recommendation: Perinatal Depression: Preventive Interventions | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
16. Postpartum Care | Medicaid
17. Medicaid Continuous Coverage Requirement and Postpartum Hospitalization
18. Postpartum Medicaid Use in Birthing Parents and Access to Financed Care | Health Policy | JAMA Health Forum | JAMA Network
19. Overdose, Homicide, and Suicide as Causes of Maternal Death in the United States | New England Journal of Medicine