Florida Medicaid Providers
Medicaid now covers those with pregnancy Medicaid one year postpartum
Maternal health in Florida
In 2019, there were 43 pregnancy-related deaths in the state—a pregnancy-related mortality ratio of 19.5 per 100,000 live births—nearly 35% of which occurred after hospital discharge and up to one year postpartum, indicating there is an opportunity in the postpartum period to reduce maternal deaths.
Of deaths that happened after hospital discharge, the leading causes were: cardiovascular problems, thrombotic embolism, and hypertensive disorder. Some of these deaths may have been prevented with appropriate care through the postpartum period.
Services covered
In 2023, a law in Florida extended the Medicaid postpartum coverage period from 60 days to 12 months. Postpartum coverage is not limited to postpartum visits, but covers all Medicaid services, including:
- Reproductive services, up to two postpartum visits, family planning, and testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Primary care to treat conditions like asthma, high blood pressure or diabetes, or when they are sick.
- Specialty care to treat conditions such as cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions.
- Dental services, a comprehensive oral evaluation, and procedures to eliminate pain or infection.
- Mental health services for depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions. Services covered include assessments; medical and psychiatric services; individual, family and group therapy; and rehabilitative services.
- Doula services
- Emergency care
- Prescription drug benefits
- Transportation to medical services
What providers and community partners can do
1. Start the conversation about the importance of their postpartum appointment and receiving ongoing healthcare in that first postpartum year during the third trimester. Include the importance of knowing who their primary care provider is. If they don’t know who that is, advise them to reach out to their health plan to find out.
2. Have them schedule their postpartum visit when they are around 36 weeks.
3. Ensure they have a comprehensive postpartum visit within 12 weeks. Those with chronic medical conditions, such as hypertensive disorders, obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorders, renal disease, mood disorders, and substance use disorders, should be counseled regarding the importance of timely follow-up with their primary care providers for ongoing coordination of care.
4. Inform postpartum individuals of the new extended period of Medicaid benefits and services covered, and encourage them to access the care they need during this time.
5. Share the below March of Dimes informational flyer and video for pregnant and postpartum individuals on the services covered by Medicaid. The information is available in the section below as a 8.5 x 11 flyer and tri-fold brochure in English, Spanish, and Creole. All informational resources for patients are also available at marchofdimes.org/florida-medicaid.
Those who experienced pregnancy loss are also covered
• People who have experienced a miscarriage or a fetal or infant death are also covered by Medicaid for all services for a full year after pregnancy.
• Connect these individuals to the physical and mental health care they need, including grief support and counseling.
Resources to increase awareness of Florida Medicaid extension
For Patients/Medicaid members/Consumers
Video that explains the postpartum Medicaid extension to individuals who may be affected by the new policy. Hear from an OB/GYN and a business leader focused on postpartum support. This video will help those who are on Medicaid or who are uninsured, understand why postpartum health care is so important, how to apply for pregnancy Medicaid if you don’t have it, and where to go if you need help signing up. It also talks about length of coverage and the kinds of benefits that birthing persons will have access to.
As a HCP or stakeholder who cares about postpartum health access, here are the ways you can utilize this video:
• Share this video on social media
• Play this video in your waiting room
• Email this video to your patients/clients
• Share this video with colleagues who can share it as well
Social Media graphics and copy in English, Spanish, and Creole to post and share on your social sites directing people to the Florida Medicaid Extension webpage.
Graphics: English | Spanish | Creole
English: Did you know that you may be eligible for more Medicaid benefits? Thanks to our friends @PacifyApp you can learn more at marchofdimes.org/florida-medicaid.
Spanish: ¿Sabía que puede ser elegible para más beneficios de Medicaid? Con la ayuda de @PacifyApp puedes obtener más información en marchofdimes.org/florida-medicaid.
Creole: Èske w te konnen ou ka kalifye pou plis benefis Mèdiked (Medicaid)? Mesi pou zanmi nou nan @Pacifyapp fe li posb apren plis nan marchofdimes.org/florida-medicaid.
Brochure/Flyer (English/Spanish/Haitian Creole) that explains the postpartum Medicaid extension in plain language, listing the specific benefits around physical and mental health that this coverage provides. It also provides links to additional resources. The materials come in two formats: brochure (trifold) and flyer (8.5x11).
English flyer | English brochure | Spanish flyer | Spanish brochure | Creole flyer | Creole brochure
Condensed flyer with messaging in English/Spanish/Creole
As a HCP or stakeholder who cares about postpartum health access, here are the ways you can utilize this brochure:
• Share a link to this on social media and direct people to the Florida Medicaid Extension webpage: marchofdimes.org/florida-medicaid
• Print copies of the brochure/trifold and have them available in your waiting room
• Email the digital version to your patients/clients for whom it would be relevant
• Share this brochure with colleagues who can share it as well
For Healthcare Providers/Stakeholders/ Community Partners
Video that explains the postpartum Medicaid extension to HCPs and other professionals whose clients/audience may include pregnant people. Hear from a key public official, an OB/GYN, a Florida health policy expert, and a business leader focused on postpartum support. This video will speak directly to the professional audience, addressing your role in expanding awareness and counseling patients and families. It discusses why postpartum healthcare is so important, how to apply for pregnancy Medicaid if one doesn’t have it, and where to go if one needs assistance signing up. It also talks about length of coverage and the kinds of benefits that birthing persons will have access to.
As a HCP or stakeholder who cares about postpartum health access, here are the ways you can utilize this video:
• Watch this video
• Have colleagues in your office watch it as well
• Share this video with colleagues who can watch it and share it
Flyer for professionals that explains the postpartum Medicaid extension, listing the benefits this coverage provides and additional resources. Download below:
Healthcare provider and community partner flyer
As a HCP or stakeholder who cares about postpartum health access, here are the ways you can utilize this flyer:
• Print copies of this flyer and post in work stations
• Share this flyer with colleagues
