About 8,700 postpartum patients in New Jersey will retain Medicaid coverage up to a year after giving birth — a move CMS said may soon extend to other states.
The move comes from an amendment to the New Jersey FamilyCare Comprehensive Demonstration, CMS said Oct. 28.
"Our country is facing a maternal health crisis, and it is disproportionately harming people of color," CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure said. "Access to postpartum care is critical to keeping our nation's families healthy. That's why CMS is proud to partner with New Jersey today to expand postpartum health coverage and advance health equity for thousands of low-income people covered by Medicaid and CHIP."
According to the release, starting April 1, 2022, other states may opt into also extending Medicaid coverage through 12 months postpartum.
New Jersey has agreed to self-monitor and evaluate the Medicaid expansion, CMS said.