Abstract

A scoping review of private insurer programs to provide innovative support for postpartum birthing parents in Massachusetts

Marina Andreadis¹, Shilpa Londhe, PhD, MHA² and Jessica Holzer, PhD, MA³
(1)Wellesley College, Wellesley Hills, MA, (2)Maternal Spotlight, Inc., Garden City, NY, (3)University of New Haven, West Haven, CT

APHA 2023 Annual Meeting and Expo

Background/Significance: The US suffers from a worsening maternal health crisis, demanding new strategies to protect birthing parents following labor. As payers, insurance companies can play a role in incentivizing postpartum care from providers. For other diseases, insurers supplement care provision in clinics and hospitals with cost-saving programs. However, there is a significant gap in the research on what programs are available to postpartum birthing parents (PBP).

Objective/Purpose: We conducted a scoping review of programs provided by private insurers in Massachusetts to understand the range of programs insurers may be offering to PBP.

Methods: Insurers were identified through Mass.gov and MA Health Connector websites. Program descriptions were collected from company websites. We coded each description using a coding framework developed from AWHONN, WHO, and ACOG postpartum guidelines.

Results: We identified 12 programs for pregnant members provided by 9 insurers in our sample. Six programs expected opt-in participation, 2 programs proactively contacted patients, and 3 utilized physician referrals. Postpartum supports included: care management (8), substance abuse treatment (6), and postpartum condition education (3). Three programs provided assistance for social determinants of health through social worker involvement.

Discussion/Conclusions: By identifying private insurance programs and cataloging their supports, we demonstrate how insurers can act as care providers for postpartum birthing parents. Next step for the project: call sampled insurers to collect more information on the programs offered. Understanding current innovations in insurer programs can enhance the quality of care for PBP and help address the maternal health crisis.

Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Provision of health care to the public Public health or related research