User:Chang2021/sandbox

Health Coverage
Bills and Policies

In February 2019, an amendment was proposed to section 14005.18 of the Welfare and Institutions Code as it relates to Medi-Cal in the state of California. The purpose of this bill is to extend postpartum coverage by Medi-Cal from 60 days up to 1 year postpartum for maternal mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.

Per the AB 577 bill text, the government defines "maternal mental health condition" as any condition that occurs during the pregnancy or after birth and includes a number of mental health diagnoses, including postpartum depression. Prior to this proposed amendment, all services covered by Medi-Cal for low-income pregnant women would terminate 60 days after giving birth. Postpartum depression and mood disorders are common health-related issues that can arise within the first year after giving birth. The amendment was widely well-received and awaits discussion on the assembly floor. PPD has evolved around mothers but there is also a small percentage of fathers that also can experience PPD. PPD can affect mothers and fathers in different ways, and it may be difficult for each to provide support