New York has made significant expansions to Medicaid postpartum coverage over the past two years. If you gave birth recently and are enrolled in Medicaid, you now have access to more benefits than ever before — including free home-delivered meals.
12-Month Postpartum Medicaid Coverage
As of 2023, New York extended Medicaid coverage for postpartum women from 60 days to 12 full months after delivery. This means you remain eligible for Medicaid — and all associated benefits — for a full year after giving birth, regardless of income changes.
What the HRSN Meal Benefit Covers in 2025
Under the NYHER 1115 Medicaid Waiver, eligible postpartum Medicaid members can receive:
- 21 free home-delivered meals per week — 3 meals/day, 7 days/week
- Freshly cooked meals delivered twice a week to your door
- Coverage for up to 15 months total (pregnancy + 12 months postpartum)
- $0 cost — fully covered by Medicaid
Mental Health Coverage Expansion
New York Medicaid now covers postpartum mental health services including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care for postpartum depression and anxiety. Ask your OB or midwife for a referral to covered mental health providers in your area.
How to Access Your Benefits
Many of these benefits require a separate enrollment — they don't automatically activate when your baby is born. For HRSN meals specifically, enroll through Orivia Care. Our partner United Hands will call you within 24 hours to complete your screening, and meals begin within 7 days of approval.
Don't Leave Benefits Unused
Studies consistently show that a significant portion of Medicaid-eligible families don't access all their entitled benefits — not because they don't qualify, but because no one connects them to the programs. If you're within 12 months of delivery and on NY Medicaid, enroll now.