Extending the Medicaid eligibility period to 12 months promotes more consistent, less costly health care. Such a policy change would also relieve some of the financial strain on public health providers by reducing the demand for uncompensated care. The Committee recommends Bill C which establishes a 12-month guarantee of eligibility for Medicaid once an individual qualifies for services. A review of Bill C's provisions is provided on page 7. Prenatal Care for Undocumented Immigrant Women Scope of issue.
Prenatal care is a cost-effective way to reduce medical costs.
By providing patient education and early diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-related problems, prenatal care prevents more serious and costly medical conditions. Undocumented women are unlikely to seek prenatal care because they do not qualify for Medicaid and typically do not have the resources to pay for the services. As a result, their children are at an increased risk for future health care needs. Colorado offers only emergency medical assistance to its undocumented immigrant population. For pregnant undocumented immigrant women, this means that Medicaid will cover labor and delivery, but not prenatal care.