Improving Birth Outcomes: The Centering Louisiana Project
Evidence-based interventions in maternal health can improve birth outcomes. Results from a group prenatal care initiative in Louisiana serving women experiencing a variety of risk factors achieved low rates of preterm births and low birthweight babies, and participants were highly satisfied with their experience.
Historically, Louisiana’s birth outcomes have been among the worst in the United States, with the state having the third-highest rates for preterm births and low birthweight babies in 2012. Under the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation’s Strong Start Initiative for Mothers and Newborns, the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute convened a grant project to improve care delivery and birth outcomes for women and babies in Louisiana.
From February 2014 through December 2016, more than 960 low-income pregnant women received services through an evidence-based group prenatal care model with proven results in reducing preterm births and low birthweight babies. The intervention was implemented by seven participating provider sites across the state.
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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.
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