House Bill 133 by Rep. Toni Rose — which would provide Texas moms with 12 month postpartum coverage — was passed out of the Texas House Committee on Human Services today on a 6-3 vote.
Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage to one year ensures healthcare access when these Texas moms need it most. Pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage currently lasts only 60 days following birth. Yet, over half of all maternal deaths in Texas occur AFTER 60 days. HB 133 would allow Texas moms to continue to see their provider and access comprehensive healthcare services for the entire postpartum year.
This legislation now heads to the Calendars Committee and wait to be placed on a floor calendar for debate by the full House chamber. It will then move to the Senate for its consideration.
ABOUT HB 133 AND MEDICAID EXPANSION FOR MOMS
-
In Texas, Medicaid is generally only available to children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and some seniors. Texas women can get Medicaid insurance while they are pregnant, but it cuts off 60 days after childbirth, leaving new moms uninsured at a time that is pivotal for their health and their baby’s healthy development.
-
When a mom becomes uninsured, some health services are available from safety-net clinics, hospital emergency rooms, and the state’s Healthy Texas Women-Plus program, but those options all have significant limitations.
-
Safety-net clinics and hospitals are less available in rural areas. And going to the emergency room incurs significantly higher costs than addressing and managing pregnancy complications before they get worse. This patchwork system is no substitute for health insurance so a new mom can find a mental health therapist, cardiologist, or get medications or other care they need to address pregnancy-related issues.
-
HB 133 would simply extend the length of time a new mom has Medicaid insurance from 2 months to 12 months after pregnancy. A year after pregnancy, Medicaid would end.
Source: circleupumw.org