Fact Check: "The bill S.2085, introduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026), requires 12-month continuous, full benefit coverage for pregnant individuals under Medicaid and CHIP."
What We Know
The claim states that bill S.2085, introduced in the 119th Congress, mandates 12-month continuous, full benefit coverage for pregnant individuals under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). According to the official summary of S.2085, the bill indeed aims to provide this extended coverage. It was introduced on June 16, 2025, and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.
The bill is part of a broader legislative effort to enhance maternal health equity by ensuring that pregnant individuals have access to necessary healthcare services for a full year postpartum, which is a significant increase from the previous 60-day coverage limit. This aligns with previous legislative proposals aimed at extending postpartum coverage, as noted in discussions surrounding the Build Back Better Act.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as the text of S.2085 explicitly states its intent to require 12-month continuous coverage for pregnant individuals under Medicaid and CHIP. This aligns with ongoing legislative trends aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for low-income women, who often face gaps in coverage after childbirth.
Moreover, the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families highlights the importance of extending postpartum coverage to reduce health disparities. The source is credible, as it is a well-respected research institution focused on health policy.
However, it is essential to note that while the bill has been introduced, it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has a low probability of being enacted, with only a 1% chance of getting past committee according to legislative forecasts. This indicates that while the claim about the bill's content is true, the actual implementation of such coverage is uncertain at this point.
Conclusion
The claim that "the bill S.2085, introduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026), requires 12-month continuous, full benefit coverage for pregnant individuals under Medicaid and CHIP" is True. The bill's text confirms this requirement, and it reflects a significant policy shift aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. However, the bill's future remains uncertain as it navigates the legislative process.
