Vulnerable Populations
As More States Allow Medicaid Reimbursements for New Pregnancy-Related Services, Promoting Access Remains a Challenge
KFF and the Health Management Associates (HMA) released their 23rd Annual Medicaid Budget Survey for State Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 in collaboration with the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). This year’s survey includes findings about challenges and strategies in expanding non-traditional pregnancy-related services, such as doula care. In the U.S., Medicaid finances more […]
Webinar: Using Section 1115 Demonstrations to Support Health-Related Social Needs for Prenatal to 3 Population
Over the past few years, states have been increasingly seeking to use Medicaid section 1115 demonstrations to cover health-related social needs (HRSN) services and supports. While many states are including pregnant and postpartum individuals and their children as eligible populations to receive these benefits, not all individuals within the pregnancy and postpartum eligibility group will […]
Birth Centers Offer Potential to Transform Maternity Care Through Community-Led Approaches that Focus on Families of Color
Last month the Commonwealth Fund highlighted the role of freestanding birth centers in Community-Led Approach to Transforming Maternity Care. Freestanding birth centers, which use a midwifery and wellness model, provide a choice for families to deliver outside of a hospital or their home. The U.S. hosts 415 freestanding birth centers in 40 states and Washington, […]
Shades of Blue Project Making Shift Happen for Black Maternal Mental Health
Black Maternal Mental Health Week, created by Shades of Blue Project founder Kay Matthews, is celebrated annually from July 19-25. Every year the Shades of Blue Project hosts their Black Maternal Mental Health Summit in Houston, TX during Black Maternal Mental Health Week. The theme of this year’s Black Maternal Mental Health is the Art […]
Research Update: It’s Simple—Medicaid Helps People Work
My colleagues have been analyzing the highly damaging Medicaid work reporting requirement provisions of the House-passed debt ceiling bill crafted by Speaker McCarthy, including how it would likely harm people with disabilities and parents. There is an overwhelming stack of evidence showing that work requirements are a terrible idea: they don’t actually improve employment rates, […]
New CMS Guidance Encourages State Demonstrations to Improve Transitions into the Community for Individuals Released After Incarceration
On April 17, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), issued new guidance sharing a new opportunity for states interested in improving transitions from state incarceration to the community. The grotesque racial inequities in justice-involved populations, combined with abrupt transitions back into community settings without health supports after incarceration, lead to poor post-release health […]
