Federal Approval Grants 12-Month Medicaid for Low-Income Texas Mothers

Mothers in Texas will now have the opportunity to remain on Medicaid for a duration of one year following childbirth, as affirmed by the approval of the state’s application by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

This decision marks the conclusion of a persistent endeavor spanning several years to prolong coverage for economically disadvantaged mothers. 

While Medicaid presently covers fifty percent of all births in Texas, the existing coverage terminates after a two-month period.

In 2021, the federal government deemed Texas’ application for ongoing coverage as “unapprovable” due to the presence of medically inaccurate language designed to exclude women who underwent abortions. 

However, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, granting states the authority to prohibit abortion, the concept garnered support. 

In the last regular legislative session, lawmakers endeavored to formulate a proposal that would receive approval from the federal government.

Medicare and Medicaid Approval: Texas, 43rd State

The endorsement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Wednesday designates Texas as the 43rd state to receive approval for extended coverage. 

This extension was sanctioned by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. 

The sanctioned approval becomes effective on March 1, 2024. 

Pursuant to the Texas plan, individuals whose pregnancies concluded in the months preceding March 1 and experienced a lapse in postpartum Medicaid coverage are eligible for re-enrollment, ensuring coverage for a period of 12 months following the conclusion of their pregnancy.

Texas House Supports Postpartum Medicaid Expansion

During the previous legislative session, the bipartisan-backed bill to expand postpartum Medicaid for Pregnant Women gained substantial support in the Texas House. 

However, complications arose in the Senate as Republicans sought an amendment excluding women with elective abortions from qualifying for extended Medicaid coverage. 

The original bill lacked specificity on how the pregnancy should conclude, merely stating coverage commencement on the last day of pregnancy.

In Texas, abortion is only permitted to save the life of the pregnant patient. Anti-abortion groups contended that extending Medicaid coverage to women with out-of-state or unauthorized abortions equates to state funding supporting abortion. 

Advocates urged the Legislature to pass a bill aligning with Medicaid guidelines for prompt acceptance by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.