Extension of Medicaid postpartum coverage is good for cardiac health of new mothers

American Heart Association applauds state Senate and Assembly for including postpartum coverage in one-house budget bills

By the American Heart Association

Growing evidence suggests pregnancy complications could mean future health risks, particularly heart disease and stroke. The state Assembly and Senate took steps to reduce this by including measures that would extend the Medicaid postpartum coverage period from 60 days to 12 months in their proposed one-house budget bills that came out this week.

“New York currently ranks 23rd in the nation for its rate of maternal mortality – and these risks are even more prevalent among communities of color, as Black woman are more than three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related death than white women,” said Brianna Durkee, New York state government relations director for the American Heart Association. “Expanding the postpartum Medicaid coverage will help individuals receive the medical care they need to screen for the development of risk factors that can develop after the birth of a child.”

Expanded Medicaid coverage means postpartum patients will have the opportunity to receive adequate counseling and screening for risk factors for cardiac issues, including:

√ Heart disease

√ Hypertension

√ Diabetes

√ Postpartum depression

√ And substance use

Extending eligibility to 12 months after the end of pregnancy would provide an automatic coverage pathway during a vulnerable time and prevent disruptions in care. It would positively impact the long-term health and wellbeing of pregnant and birthing individuals, their families, and their communities.

The American Heart Association calls on Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislators to ensure this measure is included in the 2023 enacted state budget.

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.