DHS to Request 30-day Extension of Medicaid Coverage for Women After Pregnancy
Federal government’s approval would increase coverage from 60 to 90 days
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is submitting a request to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for an additional 30 days of Medicaid coverage for women after pregnancy. Currently, women receive 60 days of coverage after giving birth. Approval of the DHS request by CMS would increase coverage to 90 days.
“Every Wisconsinite should have access to quality, affordable health care. Extending coverage for as long as possible in this critical time helps to protect the health of both mothers and their kids,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “It is vital that after giving birth, mothers have the health care coverage they need so that they can get the care they need and, in turn, support our kids and keep them healthy, too.”
“Ensuring consistent access to health care for parents before, during, and after pregnancy is important for babies to get their best start in life,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Wisconsin’s children are our future, and we at DHS are committed to supporting healthy birth outcomes and eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities in our state.”
2021 Wis. Act 58(link is external) requires DHS to submit an application for a federal Medicaid Section 1115 demonstration project to extend the duration of postpartum coverage to the last day of the month 90 days after the last day of pregnancy. DHS will hold public hearings and engage in tribal consultation prior to submitting its application to CMS later this year.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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