Texas Extends Postpartum Coverage For Medicaid, CHIP Recipients

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has made a significant announcement, revealing that the state will be extending postpartum coverage to 12 months for eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), effective March 1, 2024.

Governor Abbott expressed his satisfaction with this development, stating, "By extending postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage, we will help ensure new mothers and the most vulnerable young Texans receive critical healthcare resources they need to care for their families and thrive." The Governor highlighted the collaborative effort with partners in the Texas Legislature, particularly Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Representative Toni Rose.

HHSC Executive Commissioner Cecile Erwin Young also emphasized the importance of this extension, stating, “Extending postpartum coverage will help new mothers access needed healthcare services.”

The extension of postpartum coverage was made possible through the signing of House Bill 12 into law by Governor Abbott last year. This legislation extended Medicaid and CHIP postpartum coverage from two to 12 months. The coverage will automatically be reinstated for individuals enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in Texas while pregnant and still within their 12-month postpartum period.

Services covered by Medicaid and CHIP include regular medical checkups, prescription drugs, hospital care, vision and hearing care, access to specialists, mental health care, and more. It is projected that approximately 137,000 women in Texas will benefit from the 12-month postpartum coverage in fiscal year 2025.

For more information on Medicaid and CHIP postpartum coverage, individuals can visit HHSC's Women and Children webpage or apply for these programs by calling 2-1-1 and choosing Option 2 or visiting YourTexasBenefits.com.