Texas lawmakers split over how long to extend Medicaid health coverage for new mothers Maternal health advocates said the bill, originally pitched as a one-year extension, could reduce the state’s maternal mortality rate and offer vital help. Credit: Callie Richmond/The Texas Tribune Patients wait to be seen at the People's Community Clinic in Austin, which provides state-subsidized women's health services to low-income women, July 15, 2014. Author: Shannon Najmabadi Updated: 10:46 AM CDT May 24, 2021 TEXAS, USA — Texas mothers on Medicaid could keep their health coverage for half a year after giving birth, instead of just two months, under a bill set to be heard by the Senate as early as Monday.