Feds reject Texas Medicaid expansion for new moms, calling it too restrictive

AUSTIN – Federal regulators have rejected a Texas plan to expand Medicaid for new mothers because the benefits are too restrictive, according to state lawmakers.

Last year, the GOP-led Legislature voted to extend the safety net coverage from two to six months post-pregnancy. But the federal government, which helps foot the bill and has final say over the change, has taken issue with the eligibility restrictions Texas imposed, the Texas House Women’s Health Caucus said.

The extra months of health insurance are available to women after delivery or an involuntary miscarriage, under the new Texas law. Those who terminate their pregnancies, even in medical emergencies, are left out.

Advocates say coverage shouldn’t be dependent on how a pregnancy ends, and they worry that Texas’ new abortion ban would discourage women from being honest about their health status.

Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2022/08/04/feds-reject-texas-medicaid-expansion-for-new-moms-calling-it-too-restrictive/