TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Arizona’s state plan amendments to provide continuous Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage for 12 months after pregnancy to postpartum individuals.

Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) issued the following statement:

“Thanks to Arizona’s collaborative expansion efforts and Democrat’s action through the American Rescue Plan, Arizona mothers will now have access to critical postpartum care. Expanding these health care benefits will provide continuity of care during the first year after birth to help ensure healthy thriving families during this vital stage. This announcement is an important step, especially as people face losing health coverage due to the end of the Medicaid continuous enrollment requirement related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We must continue our efforts to improve maternal health and to address dangerous health disparities in communities across southern Arizona and the nation.”