22-188 Medi-Cal Postpartum Coverage Now Extends to 12 Months

Date: 03/01/22

Help Pregnant and Postpartum Members Receive Continued Care

Effective April 1, 2022, postpartum coverage will extend from 60 days to 12 months.

In response to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will expand the postpartum care period from 60 days to 12 months (one year). This change applies to members receiving pregnancy related and postpartum care services regardless of citizenship status or income changes. The 12-month postpartum coverage period for Medi-Cal pregnant individuals will begin on the last day of the pregnancy and will end on the last day of the month in which the 365th day occurs.

Research and data show that more than half of pregnancy-related mortality is preventable overall and during the postpartum period. Offering continuous insurance coverage for one year postpartum is a key action needed to help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Additional information

Providers are encouraged to access California Health & Wellness Plan’s (CHWP’s) provider portal for real-time information, including eligibility verification, claims status, prior authorization status, plan summaries, and more.

If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact CHWP at 877-658-0305.