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SF 339

A bill for an act relating to eligibility of pregnant women and infants for the Medicaid program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 10 co-sponsors

Raises Medicaid/CHIP eligibility to 375% FPL for pregnant women/infants and provides 12 months postpartum coverage starting 2026, pending federal approval.

Subcommittee: Klimesh, Costello, and Petersen.
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Bill Summary · SF 339

Summary: SF 339 — Eligibility of Pregnant Women and Infants for Medicaid

Overview and Intent

SF 339 proposes to raise income eligibility thresholds for Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and infants and to extend postpartum Medicaid eligibility. The bill directs the state Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pursue federal flexibility through state plan amendments with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The core goals are to expand access to prenatal, perinatal, and infant health coverage and to provide longer postpartum protection for new mothers, starting in 2026, contingent on federal approval.

Key Provisions

  • Increase in income eligibility

    • Current law: Medicaid eligibility for infants and pregnant women with family income not more than 215% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
    • SF 339: Raises this threshold to 375% of FPL.

  • Postpartum continuous eligibility (Medicaid)

    • The bill requires HHS to submit a Medicaid state plan amendment to CMS to provide 12 months of continuous postpartum eligibility for a pregnant woman whose family income during pregnancy is at or below 375% of FPL for the household size.
    • This continuous coverage would begin on January 1, 2026, assuming federal approval.

  • Infant eligibility alignment (CHIP)

    • HHS must also submit a separate CHIP state plan amendment to CMS to update infant eligibility consistent with the bill’s provisions, with implementation beginning January 1, 2026.

  • Federal approval pathway

    • All changes to Medicaid and CHIP eligibility rely on CMS approval through appropriate state plan amendments, in accordance with federal law.

Who Is Affected

  • Pregnant women and infants whose household incomes fall within the new 375% FPL threshold (and up to applicable limits after eligibility expansion).
  • The changes involve the state’s Medicaid program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), with implementation contingent on CMS approvals.

Implementation and Timeline

  • Effective date for new coverage and extensions: January 1, 2026 (subject to CMS approval).
  • Process: HHS must prepare and file Medicaid state plan amendments and CHIP state plan amendments with CMS.
  • Status: Introduced February 18, 2025; referred to Health and Human Services; Subcommittee scheduled for February 20, 2025 (Klimesh, Costello, Petersen).

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsors include: Petersen, Blake, Staed, Winckler, Zimmer, Bennett, Townsend, Dotzler, Celsi, Trone Garriott, Donahue.

This bill would significantly broaden Medicaid/CHIP eligibility for pregnant women and infants and extend postpartum coverage, contingent on federal approval.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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