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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Thanks to a new state law, pregnant women in Illinois can no longer be denied health insurance benefits during their pregnancy terms. In addition, they are guaranteed postpartum coverage for up to a year after giving birth.
This is part of a new law signed by Governor JB Pritzker, which officially took effect at the start of the new year. The legislation is part of an effort to address the state’s maternal health disparities.
It is a two-phase process that will also expand access to prenatal doula services and coverage for professional midwives. In addition, insurers will cover postpartum care, lactation consultation, and a few other services with requirements that will take effect starting January 2026.
The law ensures Medicaid and private insurance companies cover labor, delivery and home birth equipment for anyone who chooses to give birth at home.
Shana Phillips, founder and executive director of Gifted Hands International, applauded the law, calling it a “huge deal.”
“We’re facing a maternal health crisis where women, especially Black and Brown women, are dying at higher rates,” Phillips said. “ It’s going to greatly reduce that maternal mortality risk because more tools are provided. So we’re going to have better birth outcomes that means more moms, more birthing people and more babies coming home alive.”
Bill sponsor Sen. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) said this is an effort to increase safety for mothers and their babies.
“We all know that the first year of a child’s life is one of the most critical to them being able to thrive and so having these services available and ready for new parents or birthing parents is critical.” Collins said. “Because that’s the time when most people kind of struggle or have signs of postpartum.”
As a mother of three, Collins reflected on how the support of a doula and professional midwife enlightened her.
“When I had my first child, I had no idea of what to expect. I didn’t really have a whole lot of help but I will tell you, having a doula and a nurse midwife at the time, it really helped me in being a better mom.” Collins said. “I was educated around the importance of breastfeeding, what the nutrients would do to my child.”
According to a Oct. 2023 report from the Illinois Department of Public Health, 43% of pregnant women who die either while pregnant or up to a year after giving birth, died from complications with their pregnancy. Black women are also three times more likely to die from pregnancy than white women within one year of giving birth.
More than 30 states offer Medicaid coverage for pregnancy and postpartum services for up to a year.
Some cases of postpartum depression go undetected for too long because people can’t afford to see a doctor regularly.
Adani Sanchez, Client Services Coordinator at Champaign County Health Care Consumers, said this will empower people to seek help without financial strain.
“Sometimes people know something is wrong but hesitate to seek help because navigating the healthcare system is overwhelming,” Adani said. “This law ensures people can access care without the added stress of wondering if it will be covered.”
Medicaid’s expanded coverage now allows for up to 16 visits for doula services and pays up to $8,000. This also includes coverage for lactation consultants, breastfeeding supplies, and mental health services.
Advocacy groups like Gifted Hands International are planning strategies to inform communities about the new change, from webinars to informational sessions so families know the right information and how to access it.