Optimizing Medicaid Extended Postpartum Coverage to Drive Health Care System Change

With recent changes in federal law, states now have an opportunity to improve maternal postpartum health and survival by extending postpartum coverage to 1 full year for all people with Medicaid financing during pregnancy. Every state has an opportunity to use additional financing to increase quality and equity in maternal health care and improve postpartum health for their Medicaid populations. This commentary discusses leverage points and potential areas for state, community, and clinical action.