Northam plans budget increase to extend care for moms and babies in Virginia

“The budget I will introduce next week will include $3.2 million dollars to extend the length of coverage to eligible women to a full year after they’re pregnant.”

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam explained his request for Medicaid expansion planned in his biennial budget on Monday—a $22 million undertaking that he says will improve the health of mothers and babies across the state. The proposal also increases funds for access to contraceptives, more home visits for post-pregnancy patients and addresses a portion of the opioid epidemic.

“We’ll also provide funding to ensure that pregnant women and mothers with a substance abuse disorder are able to access the treatment they need through the addiction and treatment recovery services benefit.”

(PHOTO: Commonwealth of Virginia / Governor’s Office / Flickr)