Gov. JB Pritzker announced that Illinois is the first state in the nation to extend full Medicaid benefits from 60 days to 12 months postpartum, following the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of Illinois' 1115 waiver allowing for the extension.
A press release said the extension "will strengthen continuity of care to improve health outcomes for new mothers in Illinois and is aimed at reducing the rate of maternal morbidity and mortality, including significant health disparities for Black women during the postpartum period."
Women with incomes up to 208% of the federal poverty level will have the extended eligibility.
Research shows that disruptions in Medicaid coverage are common and often lead to periods of lack of insurance, delayed care and less preventive care for beneficiaries. For women who have enrolled in new coverage, they may have to find new in-network doctors who are not familiar with their medical history during a medically vulnerable time.
"Providing Medicaid benefits to mothers for 12 months postpartum is vital to ensuring women have the care they need not just during pregnancy, but after," said state Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Chicago). "Illinois continues to be a leader in women's healthcare, and I'm grateful to our federal partners for their approval of this waiver."