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Postpartum extension District of Columbia · DC Medicaid

Postpartum Medicaid in District of Columbia: how long coverage lasts

The number

District of Columbia Medicaid covers people for 12 months after pregnancy ends (since April 2022).

Primary source: https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid-spa/2022-06-16/137041
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What the 12-month postpartum extension covers

District of Columbia Medicaid covers people for 12 months after pregnancy ends (since April 2022).

Federal law requires at least 60 days of coverage after a pregnancy ends and lets each state choose to extend it to 12 months (42 U.S.C. 1396a(e)).

During pregnancy and for a year after, CDC asks you to get medical care right away for urgent warning signs such as a headache that won't go away, changes in vision, trouble breathing, chest pain, extreme swelling of the hands or face, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. See the full CDC list.

For Black families

DC Medicaid has covered doula care since October 1, 2022, with up to 12 doula visits that include attendance at the birth. Since January 1, 2026, parents, caretaker relatives and adults without dependent children qualify for DC Medicaid with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, and adults above that limit may qualify for the Healthy DC Plan, which has an income limit of 200%. The DC Health Care Alliance, a locally funded program, covers District residents 21 and older with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level who are not eligible for Medicaid and have no other insurance.

Where to get help in District of Columbia

  • The application line DC Medicaid lists on its own pages: (202) 727-5355.
  • Community health centers in District of Columbia: /clinics/dc/. Federally funded community health centers discount their fees by income, with a full discount at or below the poverty line (42 CFR 51c.303(f)).
  • Health profile for Black residents of District of Columbia: /health/district-of-columbia/.

References & primary sources

Data refreshed:

More District of Columbia Medicaid facets

Eligibility How to apply Doula coverage Pregnant women Renewal

Back to District of Columbia Medicaid overview

If you have Medicaid, the coverage on this page is the route to use first: it costs you nothing and it is what these programs exist for. If you are not covered yet, there is still a free option. Our directory of free and charitable clinics lists centers by state. The option below is self-pay and is not billed to Medicaid. It is here for readers who are between coverage or who prefer to pay out of pocket:

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