Medicaid Cuts Put Mothers and Children in Jeopardy

Every life– mother, child, and unborn baby is precious and worthy of good

care. But, the recently passed HR1 Bill includes deep cuts to Medicaid and other programs that women, infants, and young children depend on for affording quality healthcare. For many families, Medicaid is more than just health coverage—it’s a vital safety net that provides critical care and supports healthy child development. These proposed cuts put every one of those supports at risk, leaving families with fewer options when they need help the most.

How Medicaid Supports Women and Children

• Pregnancy and Postpartum Care – Medicaid covers more than 40% of births in the U.S. It guarantees prenatal care, delivery, and at least 60 days of postpartum coverage, and in most states, a full year of postpartum support to help mothers and infants stay healthy.

• Newborns – Babies born under Medicaid automatically receive one year of coverage, and for 12% of births that are preterm, the program funds critical neonatal intensive care services.

• Young Children – Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 40% of children under age 6 nationwide, including three-quarters of children in low-income families, providing essential care such as well-child visits, early screenings, and interventions that prevent long-term health issues.

Consequences of the Cuts

Nearly $1 trillion in proposed reductions to federal Medicaid funding could lead to coverage loss, reduced access to care, and more economic instability for families. Additional administrative barriers, like new work requirements, could strip coverage from millions of parents, making it harder for them to stay healthy and care for their children.

For rural women and children, the impact will be especially severe. Medicaid helps keep obstetric services available in rural hospitals. Analysts estimate the cuts could result in more than 140 labor and delivery units closing, leaving many mothers with no nearby options for safe delivery.

State-Optional Programs At Risk 

States would also be under pressure to eliminate optional programs, including:

• Extended postpartum coverage beyond 60 days.

• CHIP and other optional coverage categories, which insure about 1 in 5 children.

• Options like doula care, home visiting programs, and school-based health services.

Medicaid is More Than Insurance

For many women and children, Medicaid is more than insurance– it’s a lifeline. Natasha, a mother and staff member at the National Partnership for Women & Families, shared her story through a series called Medicaid Matters. During her high-risk pregnancy, Medicaid gave her the coverage she needed for frequent doctor visits and critical tests. “Because I received my health insurance through Medicaid, I was able to receive the treatment and tests I needed without having to worry about cost. Medicaid allowed me to see the necessary doctors as frequently as needed to navigate my high-risk pregnancy. I eventually gave birth to a healthy baby, who is now 12 years old and thriving” she wrote. 

Natasha’s story reflects what millions of women experience: Medicaid provides a lifeline during the most vulnerable moments, ensuring mothers and children have the chance to be healthy and secure.