Advocates say extended coverage is the start of a “healthy future” for Alabama mothers and Alabama’s new extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage will reduce maternal mortality and improve health for families across the state.
This policy change will result from the fiscal year 2023 General Fund budget that Gov. Kay Ivey signed into law April 7. The budget includes $8.5 million to bolster postpartum care and reduce maternal mortality rates.
These funds will extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers in Alabama, providing them access to life-saving health care for 12 months post-delivery. Mothers on Alabama Medicaid now lose their coverage and access to care just 60 days after childbirth.
Alabama has the nation’s third-worst maternal death rate. Each year, nearly 40 new mothers in the state die within one year after delivery. The toll on Black mothers is nearly three times that of white moms.
The Cover Alabama Coalition commends Gov. Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, and the Alabama Medicaid Agency for including funding to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage in the General Fund budget. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) gave states an incentive to increase Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months via a state plan amendment.
Cover Alabama plans to continue to work with the governor’s administration to ensure this program is sustainable and permanent.
Research shows that outcomes improve when moms have access to high-quality, equitable and uninterrupted care. Extending the Medicaid postpartum coverage period is a big step to save lives and improve the health and well-being of families, communities and the entire state.
“Extending Medicaid coverage from the current 60 days to one year after childbirth will save and improve lives across Alabama,” said Robyn Hyden, executive director, Alabama Arise. “It will help reduce long-standing racial disparities in health care that have plagued our state for generations. It also will promote more stable families, vibrant communities and a healthier future.”
Dr. Julia Boothe, president, Medical Association of the State of Alabama commended Governor Kay Ivey for including in her budget the extension of postpartum coverage for women who depend on Medicaid for their pregnancy deliveries.
“Most pregnancy-related health concerns can continue up to a year after birth, and 70% of the deaths reviewed by the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC) were preventable,” said Boothe. “As we strive to expand access to care in Alabama and in its most rural areas, this extension will provide women on Medicaid needed treatment and resources before, during and after pregnancies.”
More than 20 more Cover Alabama partners released statements in support of the postpartum Medicaid extension provision.
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