Included in the fiscal year 2023 general fund budget, which enjoyed bipartisan legislative support and was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this month, is an extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage.

The budget includes $8.5 million dedicated to postpartum care, which state health care leaders indicate will assist in reducing maternal mortality rates.

The extension of Medicaid coverage for new mothers in the Yellowhammer State provides them will access to life-saving health care for 12 months post-delivery. This represents a significant change from the current coverage access time period, which is only 60 days after childbirth.

Public data shows that Alabama holds the nation’s third-worst maternal death rate, with nearly 40 new mothers dying within a year after delivery.

In a release, the Cover Alabama Coalition, a nonpartisan heath care advocacy organization, applauded Ivey and legislative leadership for their inclusion of the extension in next year’s general fund budget.

The extension was widely commended throughout Alabama’s health care community.

Collier Tynes, CEO of VOICES for Alabama’s Children, spoke to the need to address issues surrounding infant and maternal health.

“VOICES for Alabama’s Children applauds Alabama lawmakers for this monumental win for children and families,” stated Tynes. “According to the 2021 Alabama Kids Count Data Book, Alabama is ranked No. 47 in children’s health. One of the most important ways we can change this number is to support infant and maternal health as a hand-in-hand relationship.”

She added, “When a new mom is without physical and mental health care, it is detrimental to the baby’s health and brain development during the most formative years of life. The extension of postpartum health care coverage is a tremendous step toward an Alabama where every child and family is happy, healthy and wildly successful.”

Ashley Lyerly, senior advocacy director for the American Lung Association in Alabama, proclaimed that the extension was vital to improving the state’s maternal mortality rate.

“Improving postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months is an important component of reducing maternal mortality and health disparities in Alabama,” advised Lyerly. “The American Lung Association applauds Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for including funding to extend postpartum coverage to one year in the FY 23 General Fund budget.”

“We urge Alabama Medicaid to promptly submit a state plan amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,” she continued. “We look forward to working with Governor Ivey, the Legislature and Alabama Medicaid to ensure implementation and long-term success of improving access to care for postpartum women.”

According to Alabama Academy of Family Physicians president Vikas Gupta, the move brings the state closer to closing health care coverage gaps.

“The Alabama Academy of Family Physicians is grateful to Governor Ivey for allocating dollars to extend postpartum coverage for women on Medicaid from 60 days to one year,” said Gupta. “This will truly impact the health and well-being of mothers and babies in Alabama. Currently, Alabama has an infant mortality rate of 7.0 deaths before age 1 per 1,000 live births. This extension brings us one step to closing the gaps in coverage and will begin to turn the tide of negative outcomes for this vulnerable population.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL