Press Releases
Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Expands Maternal Health Coverage Through HUSKY From 60 Days to Twelve Months After Pregnancy
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the State of Connecticut’s request to extend Medicaid (known in Connecticut as HUSKY) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for twelve months after pregnancy. According to CMS, this expansion will affect approximately 4,000 Connecticut residents who would otherwise have lost coverage after 60 days.
While the majority of the approximately 14,000 HUSKY clients who give birth each year remain eligible for coverage after the birth, some clients have lost eligibility after two months. The extension of this coverage will provide all individuals with 12 months of HUSKY coverage to meet postpartum health needs, which may include postpartum recovery, pregnancy complications, mental health needs, and chronic health issues. To see also : Open House for New Dunkirk Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. Previously, Medicaid/HUSKY only covered two months of postpartum coverage. With high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, the approval of Connecticut’s requested coverage expansion was hailed by state leaders as a major step in maternal health.
“We are thrilled that Connecticut has been approved for the twelve-month postpartum extension,” said Governor Lamont. “With this expansion, approximately 4,000 Connecticut residents will be able to receive the care they need after childbirth. This will allow health care providers to provide care to their patients for a longer time frame while also addressing maternal mortality and morbidity.”
“I know from real-world experience what this will mean for the individuals who benefit from this expanded coverage,” said Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Deidre Gifford, a former practicing OB-GYN. “I remember agonizing conversations with patients who had diabetes, high blood pressure, depression and other chronic conditions. As their six weeks of postpartum coverage was about to expire, we would brainstorm and strategize and plot how they could continue to get the care needed. It was always inadequate and agonizing and annoying for me and for them. Until we’re at a place where everyone has health coverage in our country, this is another step in the right direction.”
The Connecticut Department of Social Services will administer this coverage expansion through the HUSKY Health program. Parents enrolled in HUSKY Health will automatically receive this extended coverage. Parents not currently enrolled in HUSKY Health can apply through Access Health CT at www.accesshealthct.com or 1-855-805-4325.
