Missouri Legislators Consider Expanding Postpartum Health Coverage

A bipartisan group of legislators will be working this year on expanding health insurance coverage for new mothers. Last year a bill was signed into law that included, among other provisions, an extension of postpartum coverage for mental health services for up to a year, subject to appropriation. 

This year, lawmakers are looking to fund that expansion and also add a broader range of postpartum health care benefits through the state’s Medicaid plan.

The Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Accountability and Taxpayer Protection included the postpartum coverage expansion as one of its recommendations in its recently released report. 

During the committee hearings held this summer, witnesses asked the committee to appropriate money for the coverage extension, stating that it could be done through federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. 

The MCC has supported the bills expanding postpartum mental health coverage and will continue to follow legislation that would expand that coverage.