Read on Twitter
Updating my running total: in the past 2 years, we've seen 11 state #maternalmortality review committees explicitly recommend extending pregnancy-related #Medicaid to help curb preventable deaths. States include: AL, AZ, GA, IL, IA, MD, OK, TN, TX, UT, and WA. Thread 
What an incredible mix of states: red/blue, rural/urban, Medicaid expansion/non-expansion. The running list of states demonstrates that extending coverage is an incredibly #bipartisan issue. How could it not be when the goal is healthy moms and healthy babies?
Despite these recommendations and the best efforts of state policymakers, extended comprehensive coverage is not yet a reality in any state. The states that have made the most progress include CA, SC, and TX: each of which is offering a limited extension using state-only dollars.
Another batch of states (GA, IL, IN, MO, and NJ) are pursuing Section 1115 waivers to extend postpartum coverage. Notably, the IL, MO and NJ requests have been pending with @CMSGov since before the onset of #COVID19.
Yesterday, @HHSGov and @Surgeon_General released a #maternalhealth action plan in which they express support for policies that "allow states to extend Medicaid coverage for #postpartum women with substance use disorder from 60 days to 365 days after birth."
The action plan goes on to note that @HHSGov "will also pursue strategies to close coverage and care gaps for all postpartum women after pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage expires." While this is promising, it may be too little too late...
If @HHSGov wants to deliver on this action plan before its tenure ends, it should direct @CMSGov to approve pending Section 1115 waivers from GA, IL, IN, MO, and NJ before the end of the year. #DoMoreForMoms
Additionally, Congress has an opportunity to act before the end of the year by passing the #bipartisan Helping MOMS Act ( #HR4996). This bill would create an easier on-ramp for states to extend #postpartum coverage.
Importantly, #HR4996 is all or nothing. If states elect the option, they must extend full scope coverage for 12 months postpartum. States offering #CHIP coverage to pregnant women must also extend under CHIP. No limited extensions, like what some states are currently proposing.
Extending postpartum #Medicaid coverage is bipartisan and based in medical evidence. The time to act is now. Moms can't wait. #DoMoreForMoms (End)
