Editor’s note: The above video shows KXAN’s morning headlines for Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, Texas’ request to extend Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage from two to 12 months after pregnancy was approved.
House Bill 12 was signed into law last year, and it will take effect March 1.
Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission made the announcement.
“With Texas’ application approved by CMS, this postpartum extension will help Texas mothers receive high-quality healthcare across our great state,” Abbott said.
According to the governor’s office, approximately 137,000 women are projected to benefit from 12-month postpartum coverage in fiscal year 2025.
“Under the state plan amendments, anyone enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP who is pregnant or becomes pregnant will be automatically enrolled for 12 months of postpartum coverage. Services covered by Medicaid and CHIP include prenatal doctor visits, prenatal vitamins, labor and delivery, and postpartum checkups,” a statement from the governor’s office said.
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