Addressing Prenatal and Postpartum Coverage Gaps in Medicaid
Data from Elevance Health’s affiliated Medicaid plans in 16 states show that there are gaps in coverage for prenatal and postpartum care, due to delays in when pregnant women access Medicaid managed care benefits and how long after delivery they retain coverage. These gaps may impact their access to recommended prenatal and postpartum care.
Prompt enrollment of eligible pregnant women in a Medicaid plan facilitates early access to prenatal care, allowing for timely risk assessment, patient education, and care coordination. After birth, continued coverage allows for comprehensive and ongoing postpartum care, including screening for physical and behavioral health conditions for which they are at risk.
This study found that just under two-thirds of eligible pregnant women are enrolled in a Medicaid plan six months prior to giving birth and around one third lose their coverage by four months after delivery. States may consider options to modify eligibility and enrollment policies to promote a healthy birth and postpartum period for moms and babies.
Related Public Policy Research
Late Medicaid Enrollment During Pregnancy Increases Risk of Mortality
Early enrollment into Medicaid managed care during pregnancy is important for timely access to prenatal care. This paper provides evidence that enrolling into managed care late in pregnancy impedes opportunities to identify serious conditions and therefore could increase the risk of mortality after delivery.
Doula Access Through Medicaid Managed Care Improves Maternal Health
Doulas serve as an effective strategy to address disparities in maternal health. This evaluation provides evidence that women with doula care experience reduced risk of maternal morbidity, compared to women without doula care.
Later Medicaid Health Plan Enrollment Suggests Higher Infant Birth Costs
Timely enrollment in Medicaid managed care is crucial for individuals who are pregnant, allowing them to access prenatal care earlier in their pregnancy. Timely enrollment can also lead to improved birth outcomes and lower infant birth costs.