Pregnancy Medicaid Improvements in a Nonexpansion State After the Affordable Care Act.

Abstract

One-half of women in the United States use Medicaid during pregnancy. Women living in states that did not expand Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) are at risk of losing coverage post partum. We analyzed Medicaid claims and vital statistics for the state of North Carolina for the period 2011 to 2017. North Carolina did not expand Medicaid but did alter Medicaid enrollment to meet ACA requirements. After implementation, enrollment in full Medicaid during pregnancy almost doubled, and enrollment in Medicaid for pregnant women decreased. Full Medicaid offers more comprehensive coverage and does not expire at 60 days post partum, allowing for access to crucial preventive health services including contraception and primary care.