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In an effort to help meet demand, some states and territories have joined interjurisdictional licensing compacts that allow a mental health care provider licensed in one state to provide care in another state—without needing to gain licensure in multiple states. These agreements also offer guidance on patient privacy for services rendered remotely or from out-of-state.

States Support Postpartum Health with Medicaid Expansions astho, association of state and territorial health officials, 2023 state legislative session, medicaid expansions, postpartum health, the consolidated appropriations act, national women s health week, postpartum coverage, affordable care act, premium tax credits, affordable care, 12 weeks, united states, extended postpartum coverage, health a priority, medicaid program, national women s health, mother s day, 2023 legislative, vaginal birth, physical activity, women s health week, postpartum care, coverage for 12 months, 60 days, state plan amendment, care act, postpartum depression, health care Sowmya Kuruganti National Women’s Health Week reminds us that postpartum care is critical for the long-term health of the birthing parent and baby. National Women’s Health Week’s 2023 theme—Women’s Health, Whole Health: Prevention, Care and Wellbeing—is a reminder that postpartum care is critical for the long-term health of the birthing parent and baby. The first year after pregnancy can be full of physical, emotional, and mental health challenges that have long-term or even life-threatening health impacts without timely diagnosis and treatment. In September 2022 CDC reported that 23% of pregnancy-related deaths occur from seven to 42 days postpartum, and 30% of deaths occur 43-365 days postpartum. Among all pregnancy-related deaths occurring from 2017 to 2019, approximately 84% were deemed preventable. Black and American Indian and Alaskan Native <!--(AI/AN)--> women have two to three times higher rates of pregnancy-related death compared to white women. These disparities, like others, are driven by social and economic factors that are rooted in structural and systemic racism and discrimination. Health insurance coverage is one such factor that supports positive maternal health outcomes by facilitating access to care before, during, and after pregnancy. In the United States, 40% of births are covered by Medicaid, which is the primary source of health coverage and access to care for those of low income. Organizations like ASTHO and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs support extending Medicaid coverage through one-year postpartum to combat disparities in maternal health outcomes. Federal Legislation for Postpartum Coverage under Medicaid For the majority of states that have adopted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all people with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible for Medicaid. In states without Medicaid expansion, pregnant people can be eligible for coverage during pregnancy and up to 60 days postpartum under federal law. After 60 days postpartum, these people may lose coverage for the rest of the year-long postpartum period based on general state Medicaid eligibility requirements. Prior to 2021, states could extend Medicaid coverage to postpartum people through a section 1115 demonstration waiver or through state funds. The enactment of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, gave states another option to extend Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum via state plan amendment for five years. So far in 2023, CMS has approved the State Plan Amendments for five states (Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island) implementing a 12-month postpartum expansion. To date, a total of 33 states have expanded Medicaid coverage to 12 months postpartum via Section 1115 demonstration waiver or state plan amendment. 2023 State Legislative Session Depending on states rules for modifying Medicaid coverage the legislature may need to direct the health department to submit a state plan amendment. So far in 2023, three states enacted legislation related to expanding coverage to 12 months postpartum. In Mississippi, SB 2212 authorizes the state’s Division of Medicaid to provide 12 months continuous postpartum coverage to people who qualify. Utah’s SB 133 extends coverage for 12 months postpartum for women eligible for Medicaid during pregnancy. In Wyoming, HB 4 temporarily extends Medicaid coverage for qualifying pregnant women for 12 months postpartum, ending March 31, 2027. Other states introduced bills to extend postpartum coverage during this session. The Alaska Legislature passed legislation (SB 58) directing the Department of Health to submit a state plan amendment extending postpartum coverage to 12 months, and to raise the household income level for eligibility to 225% of the FPL. The bill is currently awaiting action by the governor. Iowa introduced legislation (SF 57) to enact postpartum coverage for 12 months postpartum by Medicaid State Plan Amendment. This would extend the current 60-day postpartum coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries. The Missouri legislature passed (SB 45) that would extend MO HealthNet postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months postpartum for women who are either currently receiving or eligible to receive aid to families with dependent children, or eligible to receive benefits via the income eligibility standard. Pregnant women eligible for MO HealthNet and receiving mental health treatment for postpartum depression, related mental health conditions, or substance abuse treatment within sixty days of giving birth would remain eligible for benefits for those services for an additional 12 months. The bill is currently awaiting action by the governor. Nebraska introduced legislation (LB 419) to extend postpartum coverage for 12 months postpartum that would extend the current 60 day postpartum coverage. Texas introduced legislation (HB 12) to extend postpartum coverage to 12 months; it has passed in the House and is now pending in the Senate. Its passage would significantly change the current coverage structure, which uses state funds to provide postpartum people a limited package of postpartum services through the Healthy Texas Women program under HB 133, and subsequently submitted 1115 waivers to draw down federal funds for the program and extend coverage to six months postpartum. Wisconsin introduced companion bills (AB 114/SB 110) extending postpartum coverage for 12 months postpartum for women eligible for Medicaid during pregnancy. This action would extend coverage from the current 60 days and amend the previous 90-day Section 1115 Waiver submitted in 2021. Studies have demonstrated numerous benefits of extending Medicaid coverage for postpartum people and, given these positive impacts, ASTHO expects that more states will take action to extend Medicaid to 12 months postpartum. ASTHO will continue to monitor and report on this essential maternal public health issue. website yes

This report analyzes way that public health officials can mitigate the impact of disasters on pregnant people, neonates, and infants through a variety of policies, including policies related to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a public health emergency.

The 2020 holiday season is coinciding with a nationwide surge of COVID-19 cases. With great concern that holiday travel to see loved ones may exacerbate community spread of the virus, many states are increasing public health measures before the winter holiday season. As of November 16, 2020, 13 states and D.C. had a quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers. The U.S. territories also have instituted travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Recap the state legislative sessions in 2025 thus far, spanning maternal health, infectious disease, and other important public health issues.

2026 State Legislative Session Update 2026 State Legislative Session Update Learn about state legislation from FY26 focused on hot public health topics in this Health Policy Update. ASTHO’s 2026 Legislative Prospectus Series announced the top five public health state policy issues to watch this year. With at least 30 states scheduled to conclude their legislative sessions by the end of May, state legislatures focused on many of these public health topics. Expanding Access to Care As expected, a number of states considered legislation to expand access to care, including policies that promote community-based services and rural health care access. Doula birthing support services continue to be a topic for state legislatures with at least a dozen states considering legislation to expand coverage or access. Oregon enacted SB 1568, expanding coverage for birth and postpartum doulas and lactation counselors. Virginia enacted two bills that support access to doulas: HB 328 requires the Bureau of Insurance to select a new essential health benefits benchmark plan that includes doula care coverage starting in 2029, while HB 838 expands Medicaid coverage to include incentive payments for doulas to provide linkage to care visits in the postpartum period. For other licensed health care professionals, interstate compacts allow health care professionals licensed in one member state to practice in another without additional credentials. This year, legislatures have considered more than 100 health care professional compact bills so far, with at least six states enacting legislation: Arizona (HB 2190), North Dakota (HB 1622), and South Dakota (HB 1146) adopted the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. New Mexico adopted the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (SB 1) and the Social Work Licensure Compact (HB 50). Mississippi (SB 2543) adopted the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact. Washington (HB 2088) adopted the Dietitian Licensure Compact. Finally, at least two states enacted legislation to expand telehealth. Virginia HB 1284 specifies that its Medicaid provider-to-provider consultation provision includes services provided via telehealth, and Kentucky HB 424 eases the requirements for social worker telehealth practice. Behavioral Health Legislatures are also continuing to explore policies that address mental health and substance misuse. This includes legislation that supports people across the care continuum, explores the use of psychoactive substances in mental health treatment, and regulates emerging substances. At least seven states have enacted legislation to establish or enhance the continuity of care for people in a behavioral health crisis. This includes Maine LD 1216, which requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish crisis intervention support services in all counties. Virginia enacted HB 453, which specifically allows amendments to the state’s Marcus Alert plan supporting the state’s comprehensive crisis system and requires state agencies and local partners to align their policies accordingly. States also continue to promote the availability of opioid reversal drugs through legislative action. Virginia SB 257/HB795 requires certain health insurance plans to include at least one opioid antagonist with limited cost-sharing on their drug formularies. Kansas HB 2534 requires schools to stock naloxone and establish polices to support its administration, and Utah SB 87 clarified its immunity provisions for administering opioid antagonists and will allow expired — but still effective — opioid antagonists to be dispensed and administered in certain situations. Another trend this legislative session is the legalization and regulation of use, medical study, and reclassification of certain psychedelic drugs for therapeutic purposes. Several states considered legislation to allow psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, including Oregon HB 4040, which already allows psilocybin service centers and expanded its licensing criteria for psilocybin service facilitators. At least 23 states considered, and five states (Mississippi SB 2056, South Dakota HB 1099, Utah SB 83, Virginia SB 379, and West Virginia SB 906) enacted legislation that would automatically reschedule psilocybin or certain formulations, pending federal approval and/or rescheduling. Finally, at least 10 states considered bills to support access or research into ibogaine, which is being studied in relation to PTSD and substance use disorder. States include Washington (SB 5204), Oregon (HB 4110), Tennessee (SB 2149/HB 2075), Louisiana (SB 43), Oklahoma (HB 3834), and Georgia (HB 1296), with Mississippi enacting HB 314 to allow the state health department to participate in a consortium supporting clinical trials for ibogaine drug development. A number of states are also taking action to address kratom, a plant-based substance with the potential for serious side effects, including substance use disorder and withdrawal symptoms. As of January 2026, 31 jurisdictions regulate kratom, with at least five states enacting legislation this year. New York (A 9472/S 8814), Virginia (HB 360), and West Virginia (SB 985) established or enhanced prohibitions on selling kratom to people under 21, while Nebraska (LB 901) enacted an excise tax on kratom products. Utah enacted two bills (HB 385 and SB 45) that regulate processors and retailers and New York mandated warning labels on certain kratom products (A 9443/S 8780). Healthy Food and Chronic Disease States continue to prioritize chronic disease by advancing policies recognizing the importance of prevention and how food impacts health. In 2026, a number of states considered legislation to address food insecurity, improve school nutrition, and promote chronic disease screening and prevention. At least 10 states considered legislation to limit ultra-processed foods or promote access to healthy foods, with Nebraska LB 940 prohibiting public schools from offering foods that contain certain color additives and Tennessee SB 2423/HB 1853 taking a similar approach but for any artificial food dye. States are also exploring ways to accommodate student dietary preferences. Minnesota (SF 2970), New Jersey (S 1676), New York (A 1834), and Washington (S 5878) introduced legislation that would mandate plant-based options in school cafeterias. Illinois enacted HB 1607, creating a health department task force to review state efforts to eliminate food deserts and requiring a report with recommendations by January 2028. Finally, state legislatures are taking action to support access to early detection and chronic disease management through insurance regulation. Mississippi enacted HB 565 to require Medicaid and other health plans to cover biomarker testing for the diagnosis, treatment, management, or monitoring of patients when supported by medical evidence. Additionally, Oregon enacted SB 1527, which limits out of pocket costs for medically necessary cervical cancer screenings and follow-up examinations. Finally, Alabama (SB 19) will prohibit certain insurance plans from imposing cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening of all men over 50 and younger men at high risk. Infectious Disease Prevention With recent changes to the membership and recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a number of state legislatures have considered changes to vaccine policy in 2026. Several states enacted legislation to modify the role of ACIP, including Colorado (SB 26-032), Connecticut (HB 5044), Maine (LD 2146), Maryland (HB 637), New Mexico (HB 156), Oregon (SB 1598), Vermont (H 545), and Washington (HB 2242). Many of these bills address other components of vaccine policy, including: Vaccine Schedule Recommendations: Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington substitute or add state health agencies and/or organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Physicians as sources for vaccine recommendations. Insurance Coverage: Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington require health insurance plans to cover vaccines recommended by health agencies or other organizations, rather than ACIP alone. Pharmacist Scope of Practice: Maryland and Vermont substitute or remove ACIP recommendations as an authority for pharmacists to administer vaccines, and Colorado allows pharmacists to prescribe vaccines independently. Funding: Colorado, Maine, and Vermont expand vaccine purchasing programs to include vaccines recommended by bodies other than ACIP. Liability Protections: Colorado, Maine, and Vermont include liability protections for certain providers administering vaccines according to state or medical organization recommendations. Public Health Funding Legislatures in thirty-one states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories will enact budgets for the 2027 fiscal year, while legislatures in three more states will enact biennial budgets for the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years. With reductions in federal funding, states continue to find ways to leverage state funds to invest in public health and public health infrastructure while adhering to balanced budget requirements. Eleven states have enacted FY 2027 budgets and three states enacted biennial budgets for FY 2027-FY 2028, with several states increasing public health funding, including Kansas (HB 2513), New Mexico (HB 2), and Wyoming (SF 0001). Additionally, three states passed FY 2027 supplemental budgets featuring public health provisions: Maine LD 2212 appropriates funding to support access to affordable prescription drugs in rural and underserved areas, Washington SB 6003 increases funding for the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and Nebraska LB 1071 shifts funds to children’s health insurance, community-based aging services, and mental health operations. States have also