Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
While federal health programs face cutbacks, California is expanding maternal health protections under MediCal. The state now offers one of the most comprehensive maternal health benefit packages in the country.
Pregnant Californians, regardless of immigration status, are eligible for full-scope MediCal during pregnancy and for 12 months postpartum, ensuring continuous care during one of the most critical times in their lives. Yet many families remain unaware that this comprehensive support is available to them, including the many new services and benefits available through the California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) program. At AcoM briefing held on December 4, officials and medical experts from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) provided detailed information on relevant policies.
Erica Holmes said California has continuously strengthened maternal and child health care over the past few years, adding numerous benefits to improve healthcare accessibility, reduce racial disparities, and ensure safe healthcare for people of all languages and cultures. She emphasized, “Regardless of immigrant status, cultural background, or language ability, California is committed to ensuring that all pregnant women receive comprehensive care during this most important stage of their lives.” Coverage includes prenatal checkups, nutritional counseling, delivery services, postpartum health checkups, and breastfeeding guidance. For one year postpartum, pregnant women can continue to receive medical services and mental health support. Officials point out that this extended postpartum coverage policy effectively reduces maternal mortality and helps in the early detection of postpartum depression and changes in physical and mental well-being.
Family PACT program provides contraception, reproductive health testing, sexually transmitted infection testing, cervical cancer screening, and fertility education, and is open to all eligible California residents regardless of immigration status. Family PACT fills the gaps in insurance coverage for many families and is very important for those trying to conceive, those not yet planning to conceive, or those unsure about their family planning.
California has expanded the scope of midwife involvement in childbirth care, allowing licensed nurse midwives and licensed midwives to practice independently, assisting low-risk pregnant women with natural childbirth and providing personalized care. Experts said the midwife model offers more flexible, family-oriented options, allowing pregnant women to avoid relying entirely on traditional hospital delivery.
Also Read: Medi-Cal Changes: What You Need to Know
