- Texas has joined a growing number of states extending the period in which new moms can qualify for Medicaid insurance after giving birth, offering coverage beyond the required 60 days postpartum to 12 months. On Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law House Bill 12, which extends the duration of Medicaid coverage provided postpartum to a full year in that state. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths occurs about a week to one year after delivery. (Article here)
- Walgreens and CVS are voluntarily implementing new procedures designed to improve timely access to medications that, while they can be used for abortion, have been prescribed for other purposes, according to a statement Friday from a federal agency. The two pharmacies are also implementing actions to monitor denials of medications and for customers to report complaints about delays or denials of medication as well as putting into place processes to “evaluate potential accommodations where pharmacists object to dispensing prescribed medications.” As a result of these steps, HHS is closing its investigation into the companies, which was opened after receiving complaints from women across the country who were denied or delayed access to basic medications, despite not needing them for abortions. (Articles here and here)
June 20, 2023
Access & Coverage | Tea Leaves