Colorado expands Medicaid access to undocumented pregnant people and their babies

Pregnant undocumented immigrants and their youngsters will likely be eligible for Medicaid beginning in 2025 below a invoice signed by Gov. Jared Polis Tuesday. 

Sponsors of HB22-1289 are aiming to shut gaps in healthcare entry for immigrants. 

“Increasing health-care protection to all youngsters, pregnant and postpartum individuals, no matter immigration standing, is key to correcting the foundation causes of well being inequities in Colorado,” mentioned Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez in an announcement. “This legislation will likely be life-changing for undocumented youngsters and pregnant individuals who name Colorado residence and need to have entry to the healthcare they want.” 

Below the legislation, pregnant undocumented individuals who would in any other case qualify for Medicaid and the Youngsters’s Fundamental Well being Plan, or CHIP, could be supplied full medical insurance protection for as much as a yr following a toddler’s start. Undocumented youngsters will likely be eligible till they flip 18.  

Healthcare advocates praised the passage of the invoice. Yesenia Beascochea, a group organizer with Heart for Well being Progress, has been combating for a invoice to develop healthcare eligibility since 2015. She mentioned it can assist deal with persistent well being points undocumented individuals face.

“COVID allowed us to see a aspect that lots of people flip their eyes on,” Beascochea mentioned. “The undocumented inhabitants, together with youngsters, together with infants, together with senior residents, weren’t capable of entry healthcare the way in which that the remainder of us did.”  

Along with the Medicaid growth, the invoice instantly expands healthcare advantages for all enrollees. Medicaid and CHIP members could have free entry to lactation provides and assist providers, like breast pumps. 

“There’s an enormous scarcity of child system,” Beascochea mentioned. “That is gonna be an enormous assist for all these mother and father who’re new mother and father and may’t discover system.”

Starting in 2024, a particular enrollment interval will open for pregnant individuals, who can join advantages as quickly as they discover out they’re anticipating. The Division of Well being Care Coverage and Financing can even be tasked with increasing outreach to eligible individuals. 

The change is anticipated to value the state $26 million per yr by 2025.