As of Friday, postpartum coverage for eligible NC Medicaid beneficiaries has been extended by 10 months.
Previously, the plan offered 60-day coverage; it has extended to 12-month coverage, which is available to states until Mar. 2027 through American Rescue Plan Act.
The extension was approved in Nov. 2021 under the state budget, signed off on by Gov. Roy Cooper.
“This extended coverage is an important component to help improve the health of families in our state,” deputy secretary for NC Medicaid Dave Richard said in a release. “I hope we can build on this important step by expanding Medicaid in North Carolina to further support maternal health and reduce infant mortality by improving health before the pregnancy.”
Currently, North Carolina ranks 30th in maternal mortality and 39th in infant mortality in the country. Additionally, 12% of North Carolina women experience postpartum depression.
Beneficiaries will be covered from the first day they learn they’re pregnant “through the last day of the month 12-months after the last date of the pregnancy,” according to a press release from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The coverage will continue regardless of changes affecting eligibility, such as a change in income or living situation, and it covers current pregnant women or those who gave birth between Feb. 1, 2022 and Mar. 31, 2022.
Most beneficiaries will have access to all Medicaid benefits, including visits, prescription drugs, dental, vision and hearing, and behavioral health care. More benefits can be found on the NC Medicaid website.
Eligible Medicaid beneficiaries interested in extending their postpartum benefits must report their pregnancy status to their local Department of Social Services. The coverage extension is available to all beneficiaries in NC Medicaid programs as well as those enrolled in Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW).
More information can be found on the Postpartum Coverage Extension webpage.
Have tips or comments? Email [email protected]
