Bill > S2085

This bill aims to extend Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for pregnant individuals from the current limited postpartum period to a full 12-month continuous coverage period. Specifically, the bill requires states to provide full medical benefits to pregnant individuals throughout the entire 12-month period following the end of pregnancy, which is a significant expansion from the previous policy that typically limited postpartum coverage to 60 days. The legislation amends existing Social Security Act provisions to mandate this extended coverage, removing previous restrictions that limited medical assistance to pregnancy-related services. The bill will take effect on the first day of the calendar quarter that begins one year after enactment, with some flexibility for states that may require legislative changes to implement the new coverage requirements. States also have the option to implement the expanded coverage earlier than the mandated date. This change is designed to improve healthcare access and continuity of care for pregnant and postpartum individuals, addressing potential health gaps that can occur in the months following childbirth.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2085/all-info