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New York is seeking up to $17 million in federal funding to improve maternal health services for women on Medicaid with a focus on addressing gaps in care including access to doulas and midwives patient safety measures and social and mental health support in order to reduce severe childbirth injuries and improve overall maternal health outcomes.
New York Aims for $17 Million in Federal Funding to Boost Maternal Health Services
According to the report of AOL, States across the U.S. are competing for a share of $255 million in federal funding to improve maternal health with New York possibly receiving up to $17 million. This funding, part of the Transforming Maternal Health Model aims to enhance Medicaid services for pregnant women at high risk of serious complications. The key goals include supporting patient safety measures increasing access to doulas and midwives addressing issues like housing and transportation that affect maternal care.
In New York, Medicaid covers nearly 48% of births as of 2022. However, there are still major gaps in how well Medicaid addresses maternal health. Women on Medicaid are at almost double the risk of severe childbirth injuries and experience higher rates of depression compared to those with private insurance. While recent Medicaid reforms and the $7.5 billion waiver program aim to close these gaps challenges remain in addressing all the factors that affect maternal health.
(photo: Pacific Foundation Services)
New York’s Struggle to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes
California has set a strong example with its maternal health programs achieving a 41% drop in maternal deaths since 2006. New York, with its perinatal quality program starting in 2010 has only seen an 8% decrease. New York’s recent efforts including the maternal mortality review board show progress but also highlight the need for more detailed data and targeted interventions to improve outcomes for women on Medicaid.
New York’s pursuit of federal funding emphasizes the need to tackle maternal health issues tied to Medicaid’s limitations. Despite some progress high cesarean rates and gaps in behavioral health support show that a more comprehensive approach is needed. With the potential federal funds, New York hopes to create a more complete care model that addresses both the immediate risks of childbirth and the broader social and mental health factors affecting Medicaid-eligible women. This could help close existing gaps and improve overall maternal health in the state.
