Many pregnant women with low incomes lose insurance coverage after giving birth, study finds

While many pregnant women gain coverage through Medicaid, ensuring they have insurance after giving birth remains a significant challenge, according to a new study (Source: “Study: 1 in 3 women with prenatal Medicaid lack coverage before or after pregnancy,” Fierce Healthcare, April 7).

An Urban Institute study found that 26.8% of new mothers covered for prenatal care through Medicaid were uninsured prior to becoming pregnant. In addition, 21.9% became uninsured again within two to six months of their child's birth, the study found.

The study found higher rates of women without coverage in states that did not expand Medicaid and among Hispanic women. The researchers said that the difference in insurance rates between new Black and White mothers was smaller and that boosting coverage wouldn't necessarily tackle high rates of maternal mortality among Black women.