Bill > S1946

Introduced Session

This bill amends the law to extend the length of time of postpartum comprehensive Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women to a 180-day period, beginning on the last day of pregnancy. In doing so, this bill codifies budget language adopted in the FY 2020 Appropriations Act. Under current State law, comprehensive Medicaid coverage for this population is provided for a 60-day period, beginning on the last day of the pregnancy. This 60-day period complies with federal regulations regarding the minimum time length for postpartum Medicaid coverage. The bill also codifies that the income threshold for pregnant women under Medicaid must not exceed the highest income eligibility level established for pregnant women under the State Medicaid plan - currently 194 percent of the federal poverty level. Furthermore, the bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of the bill and to secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program.

Committee Categories

Joe Vitale (D)*,  Patrick Diegnan (D), 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document