Postpartum Care

Beginning April 1, 2025, postpartum coverage will be available for eligible women through Iowa Medicaid. This coverage provides health care services for 12 months after a woman’s pregnancy ends. 

Learn more about Postpartum Coverage Summary of Changes   or versión de descarga en Español.

Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage for 12 months can help lower the risk of pregnancy-related deaths and complications for the mother. It can also help with ongoing care for chronic conditions such as:

  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • substance use disorder and
  • depression
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Covered Services

Members can get full Medicaid benefits from doctors, hospitals, community health centers, local public health departments and rural health clinics. See the following list for some examples of available care and services:

  • Lactation (breast milk) consultation services
  • Labs and X-rays
  • Hospitals, anesthesia and outpatient surgical centers
  • Alternative treatment for pain management
  • Prescriptions
  • Dental services
  • Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs
  • Mental and behavioral health care

Note: some services may need a referral, prior approval by your doctor, or a small copay.

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Eligibility

Eligible women can receive 12 months of ongoing postpartum health care coverage beginning the date their pregnancy ends through the last day of the month, 12 months after birth. Beneficiaries remain eligible even if changes occur that may affect regular eligibility for Medicaid such as a change in your income or household.

  • Proof of Identity​

  • U.S. Citizenship or legal immigrant status​

  • Iowa Residency​

  • Proof of social security number or application for social security number​

  • Pregnancy, self-attestation of pregnancy​

  • Income under 215% of the FPL​

  • Resources under applicable limits if applying based on disability or being over age 65

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Starting Coverage

IMPORTANT: To receive postpartum coverage for 12 months, you must tell Iowa Medicaid when one of the following occurs:

  • When you become pregnant.
  • If your due date changes.
  • When your pregnancy ends.

Coverage cannot begin until HHS is notified.

Contact Iowa Medicaid

  • Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 or locally in the Des Moines area at 515-256-4606
    • Business hours: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Speak to your Iowa HHS caseworker. 
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