New York health officials announced Thursday that postpartum health coverage will now extend from 60 days to a full year for enrollees in the state’s Medicaid and Child Health Plus programs, irrespective of their immigration status or the result of their pregnancy.
The federal government has approved this significant expansion, expected to add 26,000 New Yorkers to the full-year postpartum coverage, aligning New York with 35 other states and the District of Columbia offering extended postpartum support.
“The entire first year after childbirth can be a very vulnerable time,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, highlighting the disproportionate maternal mortality rate for Black individuals.
This development aligns with the Biden administration’s focus on enhancing maternal health, especially in disadvantaged communities, and Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent decision to extend 12 weeks of paid family leave to state workers.
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