Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program
Sponsored by Sen. Liz Bennett (D), Sen. Matt Blake (D), Sen. Molly Donahue (D), Sen. William A. Dotzler Jr. (D), Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott (D), Sen. Janet Petersen (D), Sen. Art Staed (D), Sen. Thomas Townsend (D), Sen. Cindy Winckler (D), Sen. Mike Zimmer (D)
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 18, 2025
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 20, 2025
- Stopped: Senate committeeDied when the General Assembly ended
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: House committeeFunnel: by March 20, 2026
- Next: Passes the House
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Died when the session ended The 2026 session adjourned on May 3, 2026, the General Assembly’s last regular session. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary Pregnant women and infants could qualify for Medicaid if their family income is up to 375 percent of the federal poverty level. Starting in 2026, eligible pregnant women would also receive 12 months of continuous coverage after giving birth. The state would also update its rules to make sure infants can access health insurance through these new income limits.1
Read the official explanation
This bill amends provisions relating to income eligibility levels for pregnant women and infants under the Medicaid program. Current law provides that an infant or a pregnant woman whose family income is not more than 215 percent of the federal poverty level, if the infant or woman is otherwise eligible, is eligible for Medicaid. The bill amends the income eligibility level to 375 percent. The bill requires the department of health and human services (HHS) to submit a Medicaid state plan amendment to the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services of the United States department of health and human services (CMS) for approval in accordance with the provisions in federal law to provide 12 months of continuous postpartum eligibility under the Medicaid program to a pregnant woman whose family income while pregnant is at or below 375 percent of the federal poverty level for the household size, beginning January 1, 2026. The bill also requires HHS to submit a children’s health insurance program state plan amendment to CMS to update infant eligibility consistent with the provisions of the bill, beginning January 1, 2026.
Why it matters. Pregnant women and infants with family incomes up to 375 percent of the federal poverty level would become eligible for Medicaid and the children’s health insurance program. Starting January 1, 2026, the department of health and human services would also provide continuous postpartum Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women.2
Senate subcommittee
Named February 20, 2025. It hasn’t reported yet.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Similar bills
- HF 607 Relating to eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program91st General Assembly · In committeeNearly identical
Matched by wording or an identical title.