According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the federal government will not accept Texas’ proposal in its current form to expand Medicaid coverage for new moms from two months to six months.
The application is still being considered, according to a statement released on Friday by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Medicaid Coverage to Mothers
Legislators who supported the extension contend that the application was denied because it contained wording that may be interpreted as excluding pregnant people who undergo abortions, even those that are medically necessary.
If his government rejects the state’s request, Biden should “get ready for a fight with Texas,” according to Abbott.
Phelan stated that he intends to advocate for a full year of postpartum Medicaid once more.
The bill’s initial sponsor, state representative Toni Rose of Dallas, expressed optimism that it would pass both houses next year.
Only 12 states, including Texas, have not extended Medicaid, therefore Medicaid in Texas primarily benefits low-income children.
Compared to the rest of the nation, pregnant Texans are more likely to be without health insurance and less likely to seek early prenatal care, and the state has shockingly high rates of maternal death and morbidity, particularly among Black women.
