Improving Maternal and Infant Outcomes Through Mandatory Extended Postpartum Medicaid Benefits as a Health Policy
Location
SU-217
Start Date
1-5-2026 12:00 PM
Department
Community and Public Health
Abstract
Aim/ Purpose: Maternal and Infant health outcomes are intertwined. Infant mortality rate is a universal indicator of a population’s general health. The purpose of this study is to examine the improvement of maternal and infant outcomes through the reform of postpartum Medicaid benefits. This study situates maternal health within a broader public health systems framework, recognizing postpartum policy reform as both a healthcare access issue and a structural equity issue. By analyzing Medicaid policy expansion as a systems-level intervention, this research explores how policy design influences population health outcomes, health equity, and long-term community well-being. Methods: This is a literature review paper that combs through existing literature to learn more about existing government health policies, and how they address maternal disparities. Peer-reviewed journal articles, federal and state policy reports, and public health agency data were analyzed to identify trends in maternal mortality, postpartum coverage gaps, and disparities by race, income, and geography. Emphasis was placed on literature published following recent Medicaid expansion efforts to evaluate emerging evidence on extended postpartum coverage policies. Findings: Findings indicate that maternal mortality continues to be a public health crisis, postpartum period is a high-risk time for maternal morbidity and mortality. There are existing policies to address maternal and infant outcomes but there are various disparities that hinder progress. Medicaid historically limited postpartum coverage to 60 days, creating gaps in care. Lack of quality health care infrastructure, unequal access to quality care, further damages maternal and infant outcomes. Doula assisted births are found to help address health disparities through advocacy and empowering the laboring mother. Recommendations: Expanding Medicaid reimbursement for doula and midwifery services to improve culturally competent care and reduce the need for medical intervention. Providing continuous support for mothers in the postpartum period increases access to mental health and other healthcare services. Strengthening postpartum policy infrastructure as a long-term investment in maternal, infant, and community health. Keywords: Maternal, Infant, Mortality, Morbidity, Postpartum.
Faculty Sponsor
Chika Ejike
Improving Maternal and Infant Outcomes Through Mandatory Extended Postpartum Medicaid Benefits as a Health Policy
SU-217
Aim/ Purpose: Maternal and Infant health outcomes are intertwined. Infant mortality rate is a universal indicator of a population’s general health. The purpose of this study is to examine the improvement of maternal and infant outcomes through the reform of postpartum Medicaid benefits. This study situates maternal health within a broader public health systems framework, recognizing postpartum policy reform as both a healthcare access issue and a structural equity issue. By analyzing Medicaid policy expansion as a systems-level intervention, this research explores how policy design influences population health outcomes, health equity, and long-term community well-being. Methods: This is a literature review paper that combs through existing literature to learn more about existing government health policies, and how they address maternal disparities. Peer-reviewed journal articles, federal and state policy reports, and public health agency data were analyzed to identify trends in maternal mortality, postpartum coverage gaps, and disparities by race, income, and geography. Emphasis was placed on literature published following recent Medicaid expansion efforts to evaluate emerging evidence on extended postpartum coverage policies. Findings: Findings indicate that maternal mortality continues to be a public health crisis, postpartum period is a high-risk time for maternal morbidity and mortality. There are existing policies to address maternal and infant outcomes but there are various disparities that hinder progress. Medicaid historically limited postpartum coverage to 60 days, creating gaps in care. Lack of quality health care infrastructure, unequal access to quality care, further damages maternal and infant outcomes. Doula assisted births are found to help address health disparities through advocacy and empowering the laboring mother. Recommendations: Expanding Medicaid reimbursement for doula and midwifery services to improve culturally competent care and reduce the need for medical intervention. Providing continuous support for mothers in the postpartum period increases access to mental health and other healthcare services. Strengthening postpartum policy infrastructure as a long-term investment in maternal, infant, and community health. Keywords: Maternal, Infant, Mortality, Morbidity, Postpartum.