This year marks Medicaid’s 60th anniversary, and its impact on maternal health has been nothing short of transformative. From the program’s early days without explicit coverage for pregnant women to today’s comprehensive benefits for nearly half of all births in rural America, Medicaid has been a driving force for access and innovation in maternal care.

Our latest issue brief traces this journey while spotlighting milestones like extended postpartum coverage, the rise of culturally competent care, and state-led innovations in contraception access, breastfeeding support, and postpartum benefits. It also examines the challenges ahead, including new federal policy shifts that could reshape access for vulnerable populations.