Oklahoma mothers can now get extended post-partum Medicaid coverage.
Monday, Governor Stitt announced the extension of pregnancy and post-partum SoonerCare coverage for new mothers across the state.
Gov. Stitt and Secretary Corbett announced that pregnancy and post-partum SoonerCare coverage will be extended from 60 days to 12 months, and the income threshold will increase to 205% of the federal poverty limit.
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority received approval to extend coverage from The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The approval comes after Gov. Stitt's 'Help Every Life and Parent' or H.E.L.P taskforce unanimously recommended OHCA expand pregnancy and postpartum services for SoonerCare members.
"With this approval, Oklahoma's income threshold for full scope pregnancy-related benefits will increase from the current 138% of the federal poverty limit to 205% of the federal poverty limit," said State Secretary of Health & Mental Health, Kevin Corbett. "Which equates from... going to 28,000 annual income for an individual, and 58,000 for a family of four."
Oklahoma is the 30th state to be approved by CMS for the extended coverage.
"Raising income threshold will allow thousands of additional women in Oklahoma to have access to services that will reduce risk and create opportunities for better health outcomes for both of them and their child," Corbett said.
According to the H.E.L.P. task force, the expansion will provide coverage for an additional 2,500 women in Oklahoma.
"They need extra time they need extra coverage. they have to address medical issues like postpartum depression, other mental health issues, addiction recovery or support their wellness exams and the dental care that they need," said H.E.L.P. task force Chair, Juli Merciez. "They need the inclusion in the coverage and the expanded coverage that we're talking about today is essential."
Nationally one third of maternal deaths occur in the post-partum period, including up to one year after childbirth.
"This 12-month period is really critical to the health of the mom and the baby," said Gov. Kevin Stitt. "There's no better place to start creating a more pro-family culture than right from the beginning with new mothers and their babies, so ensuring women have access to better long term care is a positive step in the right direction."
With the extended SoonerCare coverage mothers can receive life-saving services like behavioral health, hospital coverage, and prescription drugs.
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