Looking at How Medicaid Expansion Affect Sexual and Reproductive Health

Extensive research has explored how Medicaid expansion has impacted health outcomes in 40 US states, generally finding that it improves health outcomes for patients and provides financial benefits for state governments. A new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation reviews the recent literature exploring the impact of Medicaid expansion on reproductive and sexual health, beginning with coverage.

According to Madeline Guth and Karen Diep, “Prior studies overwhelmingly found that expansion increased postpartum coverage rates, as well as coverage prior to and during pregnancy. Although the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 created a new option to expand postpartum coverage to 12 months via a State Plan Amendment, current federal statute requires that pregnancy-related Medicaid coverage continue through just 60 days. Earlier research indicates that ACA Medicaid expansion has decreased coverage loss after this 60-day period ends: all prior studies that consider rates of insurance coverage after pregnancy find that expansion significantly increased postpartum coverage. Studies also suggest an association between expansion and increased coverage prior to and during pregnancy.”

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(Source: KFF, June 29^th, 2023)