Texas Medicaid Extention Helps Postpartum Moms a Year After Birth

"Greg Abbot signed House Bill 12, which extends Medicaid health coverage for Texas mothers from just 60 days after giving birth to a full year. This new bill, which is expected to take effect by the end of 2023, has massive potential to improve newborn and maternal health outcomes for Latinas and all mothers statewide." (Salud-America)

This is a huge win for lower-income parents who need further assistance after birth. Previously, Medicaid was covering 60 days postpartum, but with the desire to see more women and children supported, Greg Abbott pushed the bill forward. This will improve prenatal and postpartum care for moms and babies, further improve maternal and infant health, and help all moms feel confident in the care they will be able to provide for their children until they can get to their desired financial goal.

Critics of this bill say that the fact Abbott did not include abortion further pushes back the agenda. Democrat Toni Rose. “It defeats the work that we’ve done,” she said. “We just cannot go backwards.” The fact of the matter is that in a post-Roe v Wade society, this is pushing the agenda ahead and protecting babies in and out of the women while giving moms the support they need.

This is definitely a win for moms and babies!