Medicaid Expansion States Experienced Less Postpartum Hospitalizations

By Consumers for Quality Care, on February 1, 2023

From 2010 to 2017, Medicaid expansion states saw a 17 percent decrease in postpartum hospitalizations, according to a Health Affairs study reported on by Fierce Healthcare.

“Our findings indicate that expanding Medicaid coverage led to improved postpartum health for low-income birthing people,” according to the study.  

The study compared states with and without expanded Medicaid coverage. In states with expanded Medicaid, postpartum hospitalizations during the first 60 days were 17 percent less than those in states without expanded Medicaid.

Prior to 2021, Medicaid covered postpartum care for 60 days. Part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allowed states to extend postpartum care for Medicaid consumers for up to a full year. So far, a majority of states have elected to do just that. The study suggested it was possible that postpartum hospitalizations would continue to decrease with this postpartum extension.

CQC urges state lawmakers to expand Medicaid to ensure all consumers have access to affordable, high-quality health care.