Keeping Your Medicaid Coverage After Your Baby Is Born

Your Medicaid doesn't automatically end when you deliver

Medicaid coverage for pregnant women continues for 60 days after you give birth in every state. After those 60 days end, your coverage stops unless you take action to renew it. The renewal process depends on your income and family size at that moment — which may have changed since you were pregnant — and on whether your state has expanded Medicaid.

You do not have to wait until the 60 days are almost over. You can start the renewal process right away, even while you're still in the hospital or in the first weeks after birth. Starting early means you won't have a gap if paperwork takes longer than expected.

Key Takeaways

• Your postpartum Medicaid coverage lasts exactly 60 days from the date you give birth, then stops unless you renew.
• Renewal is based on your current household income and size, not the income you reported when you were pregnant.
• You can renew through your state Medicaid office, your local health department, or online through your state's portal — the method varies by state.
• If your income is now too high for Medicaid, you may instead be able to purchase insurance through the federal marketplace with tax credits that reduce your monthly cost.
• Your newborn is automatically enrolled in Medicaid for the first year of life if you were on Medicaid when you gave birth.

Understanding your 60-day window and what happens after

The 60-day postpartum period begins on the date of birth, not the date you leave the hospital. If you gave birth on March 15, your coverage ends on May 14. Mark this date on your calendar or set a phone reminder for two weeks before, so you have time to renew without rushing.

On day 61, if you have not renewed, your Medicaid coverage stops. This means any prescriptions, doctor visits, or emergency care after that date will not be covered by Medicaid. If you have a newborn, their separate Medicaid coverage (which is automatic) continues, but yours does not.

Some states send a renewal notice in the mail during your postpartum period. Others do not. Do not assume you will receive a notice — contact your state Medicaid office or check your state's online portal to confirm your renewal status instead.

How to renew based on your current household situation

Renewal is based on your income and family size right now, not what you reported during pregnancy. If you returned to work, your income may be higher. If you're not working, it may be lower. If your partner moved in or out, or if other family members' income changed, that matters too.

Gather these documents before you start: your Social Security number, your current pay stubs or proof of income, your partner's income if you're filing jointly, and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease). If you're self-employed, bring tax returns or profit-and-loss statements from the past year.

Contact your state Medicaid office or local health department to renew. Many states now allow online renewal through a web portal — search "[your state] Medicaid renew online" to find yours. Some states use a phone line. A few still require you to mail in a form or visit in person. Your state's Medicaid website will tell you which method applies to you.

If your income is now too high for Medicaid

Medicaid income limits vary by state and family size. If your household income has risen since you were pregnant — because you returned to work, your partner's income is now counted, or your hours increased — you may no longer be under the limit.

If you're told your income is too high, you have another option: the federal health insurance marketplace. You can purchase a plan there, and because you recently gave birth, you may have access to for a special enrollment period that lasts 60 days. This means you can sign up outside the normal open enrollment window.

On the marketplace, your monthly cost is reduced by tax credits if your income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty line. For a family of three in 2024, that range is roughly $23,000 to $92,000 per year, though the exact numbers change yearly. Visit healthcare.gov or your state's marketplace website to see what plans and subsidies you may have access to for.

Your newborn's Medicaid coverage is separate from yours

If you were on Medicaid when you gave birth, your newborn is automatically enrolled in Medicaid for the first 12 months of life. This enrollment happens without you having to do anything — the hospital reports the birth to your state Medicaid office.

Your baby's coverage continues for a full year even if your own Medicaid ends. After that year, your baby's coverage will also end unless you renew it based on your household income at that time. You will receive a notice before your baby's coverage expires, though as with your own renewal, do not rely on the mail — check your state's portal or call to confirm.

What to do if you miss the 60-day deadline

If your Medicaid ends and you did not renew in time, you have options depending on your situation. If your income is still low enough, you can renew at any time — there is no permanent deadline. Contact your state Medicaid office and explain that your coverage ended. They will review your current income and family size and reinstate coverage if you still meet the requirements.

Reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks. During that time, you are not covered. If you need urgent care, go to the emergency room — hospitals must treat you regardless of insurance status, though you may receive a bill afterward.

If your income is now too high for Medicaid, you can still purchase marketplace insurance. You have 60 days from the date your Medicaid ended to sign up through the special enrollment period. After that window closes, you can only sign up during the yearly open enrollment period (usually November through January) unless another may have access to event occurs.

Keeping track of your renewal date and documents

Write your 60-day end date on a calendar and set a phone reminder for day 45. This gives you two weeks to gather documents and submit your renewal without panic.

Keep copies of everything you submit — your renewal form, pay stubs, proof of residency, and any other documents. Take a photo with your phone if you're mailing them. If your state says your renewal was denied or incomplete, you'll have proof of what you sent.

Save your state Medicaid office phone number and your online portal login information somewhere you can find it quickly. If you have questions during the renewal process, calling is usually faster than waiting for email responses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my newborn's Medicaid end when mine does?

No. Your baby's Medicaid lasts for 12 months from birth, regardless of what happens to your coverage. After that year, your baby's coverage ends unless you renew it based on your household income at that time.

Can I renew my Medicaid before the 60 days are up?

Yes. You can start the renewal process immediately after birth. Starting early means you won't have a gap in coverage if paperwork takes longer than expected or if documents get lost.

What if I'm not sure whether my income is too high?

Contact your state Medicaid office and tell them your current household income and family size. They will tell you whether you're under the limit. Income limits vary by state, so you cannot assume based on another state's rules.

If I lose Medicaid, can I get it back later?

Yes, at any time. If your income drops back below the limit, you can renew. There is no permanent deadline or penalty for letting coverage lapse. Contact your state Medicaid office to restart your coverage.

What counts as income for renewal?

Wages, salary, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, and child support all count. Social Security, disability payments, and some other benefits may not, depending on your state. Ask your Medicaid office which types of income they count.