Grand Rapids Reporter

This week Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state of Michigan will be expanding Medicaid coverage for mothers and their babies to a full 12-month postpartum period as part of the governor’s Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Initiative.

The announcement coincides with Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, a May 2 press release from the governor’s office said. It got the word out that the expansion of coverage was approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

Whitmer is a mother of two and said she knows firsthand how important quality and affordable health care for mothers and babies is.

“By extending these critical, 12-month postpartum benefits, we can improve long-term outcomes for moms and babies and close health disparities,” she said in the release. “We will continue working together to ensure every family can thrive with access to behavioral health services, screenings, and treatments to lead healthy and successful lives.”

Existing requirements have those enrolled in Medicaid receiving coverage through the end of the month in which their 60-day postpartum period ends, the release said. The full year of coverage will provide access to health and dental services during the first year after pregnancy. Approximately $20 million is budgeted for the expansion, which will benefit an estimated 35,000 pregnant and postpartum women in Michigan each year.

"I have long supported legislation to make this extension of postpartum care permanent, and I am so grateful to have an ally in this fight in Governor Whitmer,” Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) said. “New moms and their health care providers agree that current standards of postpartum care are antiquated, especially in communities where health disparities exist. This is a huge step towards ensuring every new mom gets the care and support she needs, and we know healthy moms have healthy babies, laying the foundation for a healthy life.”

The numbers have shown that quality health care is critical in addressing maternal morbidity and mortality rates in the state of Michigan. Since January 2018, the state’s Maternal Mortality Surveillance Committee has found that approximately half of Michigan’s maternal deaths could have been prevented. 

The extension to a full year of coverage provides increased opportunities for beneficiaries to undergo postpartum depression screenings as well as receive referrals for needed treatment. 

“Being able to ensure continuity of care for Michigan moms and babies is critical to reducing preventable deaths and will lead to better long-term health outcomes for new parents and newborns,” Elizabeth Hertel, Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said in the release. “Extending Medicaid postpartum coverage will assist the state in its continued efforts to improve access to care for all Michigan families and equitable health outcomes.”

Those currently on Medicaid will have the coverage automatically extended to 12 months after their delivery date. To apply for Medicaid or medical assistance, go to Michigan.gov/MIBridges.