Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Medicaid Postpartum Coverage Cost: $7.1 Million

 It appears Medicaid will continue to offer postpartum coverage for 12 months after Speaker of the House Philip Gunn surrendered yesterday.  The Speaker killed a bill providing such coverage last year after it passed the Senate.  However, Governor Tate Reeves announced Sunday he supported the additional coverage.  

The federal government paid for the twelve month coverage as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.  

Division of Medicaid Executive Director Drew Snyder (no relation to Dan) stated in a letter to Mr. Gunn yesterday the additional coverage would cost the state $7.1 million per year: 

Since the public health emergency in early 2020, every state has maintained continuous coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries validly enrolled on or after March 18, 2020. Prior to the PHE, Medicaid-eligible moms in Mississippi who didn't otherwise qualify for full Medicaid coverage would receive two full months of Medicaid benefits after a delivery. When the two-month period ended, they would be enrolled in a limited-benefit Medicaid family planning waiver or be disenrolled from Medicaid. During the PHE, however, these Medicaid-eligible moms have maintained coverage indefinitely. Some already have received nearly 3 years of postpartum coverage instead of the traditional two months.


At the end of December, President Biden signed legislation to end continuous enrollment on March 31, 2023. Now, state policymakers are faced with a decision to revert to the pre­ PHE 60-day postpartum coverage duration for pregnant women or to establish a different postpartum coverage timeframe. The end of continuous enrollment comes at a time when Mississippi and other states are expecting to see more Medicaid-financed births after the Dobbs decision and elected officials are looking for effective pro-life policies for mothers and families in the post-Dobbs world.


In light of these unique circumstances, adopting a one-year coverage duration for postpartum pregnant women as set out in Senate Bill 2212 is a suitable approach for Mississippi. It also is consistent with the approach followed by similarly situated Medicaid programs in our region such as Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. A 12- month coverage duration also has the advantage of enabling Mississippi Medicaid to align coverage periods for the mom and for the newborn child, who already receives 12 months of full Medicaid coverage after birth.


The 12-month postpartum coverage duration is affordable. At an estimated gross cost of approximately $32 million in SFY2024 ($7.1 million state share), Mississippi Medicaid can finance a 12-month postpartum coverage duration over the long term with a relatively minimal impact on the Medicaid budget. If cost does become a concern in the near future, Mississippi Medicaid can recommend adjustments to other medical spending.


When compared to the 60-day period in effect prior to the PHE, a 12-month Medicaid postpartum coverage duration has the potential to improve the well-being of some women and their families, particularly women suffering from postpartum depression. While limited data is available at this time, Connecticut Medicaid has reported a modest decrease in short interpregnancy births in the first full year that postpartum coverage was extended indefinitely during the PHE.


I would also note that establishing a 12-month coverage duration for already-eligible Medicaid moms is different than expanding Medicaid to newly eligible adults under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income pregnant and postpartum women - who are the only population impacted by Senate Bill 2212 - have traditionally been part of Medicaid's social safety net and are already receiving Medicaid benefits. In contrast, ACA expansion gives full Medicaid coverage to non-disabled adults, many of whom are childless and may or may not be seeking employment. Furthermore, the gross state cost of ACA expansion over time would be dramatically higher than the cost of permanently extending postpartum coverage to 12 months.


I appreciate your willingness to closely scrutinize this proposed policy. We look forward to continuing to work with you and our other partners to administer the Medicaid program in a manner that provides value to both Medicaid beneficiaries and the general public.

SB #2212 passed the Senate on a 41-11 vote.  History and text of bill.  

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

blah blah blah...more welfare...blah blah blah....

Anonymous said...

File this under, "Elections are coming, and getting rid of Roe v. Wade wasn't as popular as the Republicans had thought it would be."

Anonymous said...

If they knew who the father was he should be responsible for this needed medical care.

Anonymous said...

File this under: "How to rip an election year talking point away from Elvis without incurring any political downside."

Anonymous said...

@8:36 AM - So if the woman can't afford medical care kill the baby? You are some kind of a special asshole.

Anonymous said...

Can we stop rewarding poor mothers for popping out more kids, please?

Anonymous said...

More workers paying for non-workers benefits. It’s the Mississippi way! Why we’ll always be a welfare state. No personal responsibility.

Anonymous said...

Its just our money--

Anonymous said...

$7.1 million is chump change. Chowke spends more than that on palm greasing.

Tip O’Neill said...

Dear Lt. Governor Hoseman - thanks for the campaign material I will run this summer, at our first debate you can explain your position to our conservative base who will be paying for this additional welfare that comes from their hard earned wages they receive while at work and are not eligible for this government freebie. I know, I know it comes from federal dollars not state dollars so it’s not really from their taxed wages. Look forward to that soliloquy.

Sincerely,
Senator Chris McDaniel (R-Conservative Country)

Anonymous said...

Presley doesn't stand a chance.

Anonymous said...

I’m praying that the people of MS will wake up and stop allowing these mega republicans trick them.

Anonymous said...

Nobody has yet bothered to define postpartum care. I suppose the bill will have to be signed to see what's in it.

Caregivers and providers coming out of the woodwork in 3..2..1

Anonymous said...

Spending money on care for women after they give birth is the right thing to do.

I don't care how they got into the situation they are in. I care about caring for them. It saves money in the long run and gives the mother and the baby a better shot at a healthy life.







Anonymous said...

Presley is a wolf in sheep's clothing

Anonymous said...

Fed money is a trap with predatory bait, to gradually force States to conform to the Federal bureaucracy's radical marxist agenda in order to keep suckin Grey milk from the teat bait.

Education Choice and Vouchers and resulting prosperity bypasses that fool's bait.

Anonymous said...

@9:32 AM I think you are just looking for somebody to call an asshole. Postpartum is defined as "following childbirth." @8:36 AM is just saying that Republicans have realized the Dobbs v. Jackson Clinic isn't bringing in the votes they had hoped. Now they have backed themself into a corner where being pro-birth means you have to take care of mom and baby after the now legally mandated birthing.

Anonymous said...

@11:32 - Back up and give us your definition of 'spending money'. On what, specifically?

Anonymous said...

I consider my self a conservative Based on several comments I guess I’m a bleeding heart liberal. I believe that we should be responsible for our actions however I hope I never reach the point where I’m so calloused that I get angry when medical care is denied a new born because the mother can’t and the sire (didn’t want to use the word father) isn’t able. We are one of the leading church going states. Evidently it seems a lot of the attendees don’t listen to the sermon.

Anonymous said...

How much would it cost to put everyone in Mississippi on Medicaid? I’m tired of working and paying taxes and health insurance premiums. I think everyone in the state should be on it. Since Medicaid is free money from the federal government and it helps the economy wouldn’t it make sense for everyone to get it?

Anonymous said...

"Spending money on care for women after they give birth is the right thing to do.

I don't care how they got into the situation they are in. I care about caring for them. It saves money in the long run and gives the mother and the baby a better shot at a healthy life. "

I agree. Start by identifying the father of the baby. If he doesn't man up then garnish his wages until the mother's bills are paid. If that takes too long then sell his car and whatever else he has of value to support her and his baby. Debtors' prison needs a second look if he's still not fulfilling his responsibilities.

Anonymous said...

Most Everyone on here seems to assume that if you’re on Medicaid you’re immoral and promiscuous and have no right to respect. That seems quite a leap. I know - and expect you do too - many poor people who are hard-working, strong, moral. Many broad brushes being used here.

Anonymous said...

9:05 - I'm willing to suggest (and wager) that not 2 in 400 pregnant girls who are applying for or receiving Medicaid coverage are working, much less hardworking and moral.

By the way, the Woke movement and Cancel Culture have eliminated the words immoral and promiscuous as they tend to be race-associated.

And some of you say, "I don't care how they got in the situation they're in". There's a major part of the problem. What we accept and condone, we encourage.

Anonymous said...

4:49 - 9:05 here: well, gee, you sure sound like you have a lot of data to back you up so I will bow to your thorough arguments that one-half of one percent of Medicaid mothers deserve and post-partum care. You win! BTW, funny, I didn’t mention race but it seems to be a factor in your mind, so, again, I defer.

Anonymous said...

8:51 - Race itself is the primary basis for WOKE and Cancel Culture. It exists whether you bring it up or I bring it up or whether nobody brings it up.

The two onerous words you used are victims of cancel culture which is based on race. This is not that difficult to understand.

I said "I suggest and am willing to wager". I didn't say I have data to back me up as that data is supposedly confidential. Try harder to pay attention.

Anonymous said...

All of you need to find out what postpartum care IS and WHY it's necessary.
If you want the mother and/ or child to die needlessly for rather common complications ( hence the $7.1 million figure, then fine.
We will go even faster toward having a 3rd world death rate for mothers and babies.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.