Wisconsin recently took an important step to support maternal and infant health by passing legislation to extend Medicaid coverage for mothers to 12 months after childbirth. With this change, Arkansas is now the only state that has not adopted the option to provide a full year of postpartum coverage.
Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage helps ensure parents have continued access to care during a critical period for postpartum recovery and infant development. Many pregnancy-related complications and mental health conditions occur after delivery, making continued coverage essential for both parents and babies.
State action on postpartum coverage reflects growing recognition that maternal health does not end at delivery. Policies that support parents during the postpartum period can improve outcomes for families and strengthen early childhood health.
Read the full Georgetown CCF blog by Tanesha Mondestin, “Wisconsin Passes 12-Month Postpartum Medicaid Extension, Leaving Arkansas as the Last State Without It.”
