HARTFORD, Conn. — HUSKY health coverage in the state will be extended from 60 days to 12 months after birth, a move that will affect 4,000 people.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved the State of Connecticut’s request to extend Medicaid (known in Connecticut as HUSKY) and Children’s Health Insurance Program coverage for twelve months after pregnancy. According to CMS, this extension will affect approximately 4,000 Connecticut residents who would have otherwise lost coverage after 60 days.
About 14,000 HUSKY clients who give birth each year remain eligible for coverage after childbirth, however, some clients have lost eligibility after two months. The extension of this coverage will allow all individuals twelve months of HUSKY coverage to address postpartum health needs, including recovery from childbirth, pregnancy complications, mental health needs, and chronic health issues. Previously, Medicaid/HUSKY only covered two months of postpartum coverage. Officials said with high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, this approval was hailed by state leaders as a big step in addressing maternal health.
“With this extension, approximately 4,000 Connecticut residents will be able to receive the care they need after childbirth," said Lamont. "This will allow health care providers to provide care for their patients for a longer time frame, while addressing maternal mortality and morbidity.”
“I can remember agonizing conversations with patients who had diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and other chronic conditions. As their six weeks of post-partum coverage was expiring, we would brainstorm and strategize and plot how they could continue to get needed care," Connecticut Department of Social Services Commissioner Deidre Gifford, a former practicing OB-GYN, said. "It was always inadequate and agonizing and infuriating for me and for them. Until we are at a place where everyone has health care coverage in our country, this is another step in the right direction.”
The Connecticut Department of Social Services will administer this coverage extension 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.
Doug Stewart is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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