Becerra unveils Medicaid expansion for postpartum New Jerseyans

Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra announced today that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be expanding Medicaid coverage for New Jerseyans in the first year after the end of their pregnancy.

“In 2021, maternal mortality in the U.S. is higher than in most developed and high-income countries in the world,” Becerra said. “It’s unfortunate; and more than unfortunate, it’s heartbreaking; and more than heartbreaking, it’s unacceptable.” 

Joining Becerra for the announcement were First Lady Tammy Murphy, Senator Bob Menendez, and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, herself a native of Willingboro.

“I want to thank New Jersey’s terrific governor, Phil Murphy, for making the improvement of maternal health outcomes a top priority of his administration,” Menendez said. “Although knowing the governor, I’m betting he would be quick to give credit to his wonderful wife and first lady, Tammy Murphy.”