Oral

This session will focus on the impact of policy decisions on the overall health for the maternal child health population. It will specifically focus on the needs of the child and the mother during the prenatal period. Then describe the decisions and provision of care that this population receives and the ultimate impact in their health from these practices. This discussion will be done by looking at state, national and international access to healthcare. As we look at several different programs and the access provided to mothers and children we will see the impact to their health. What is seen is that even though this population may have access to health insurance or Medicaid waivers there is a continued health disparity and all of their healthcare needs are not being met. This is demonstrated by both not enough coverage provided for the needed care or additional out of pocket expenses that is the responsibility of the client. The end result of poorer health and increased risk for the mother and child. In this session will be suggested process change in order to meet the well being of this population. Different example of success will be shared. This includes how we can learn nationally from state-based patterns of health insurance adequacy in order to improve access to health insurance coverage for children. Also discussed will be and example of appropriate prenatal care and medical intervention to promote maternal and fetal health and to decrease complication rates and death. Resulting in the possibility of amending prenatal care visits for ultimate healthcare utilization. Discussed in this session is that even during times of economic recession, it is important to strive to improve positive outcomes for vulnerable populations while consistently reducing government spending that improves participation rates, both for service users and providers.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe the use of Medicaid waivers to improve reproductive health care. 2. Describe the impact of "out of pocket" cost on the overall health of children and their families. 3. Describe the impact of policy decisions about timing & frequency of prenatal visits.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)