Perinatal insurance coverage and behavioural health-related maternal mortality

Abstract

Increases in postpartum maternal deaths, including a substantial number associated with behavioural health conditions, are a public health crisis and have contributed to overall increases in maternal mortality. A leading hypothesis to explain this pattern suggests lack of availability or continuity of resources for behavioural health treatment after delivery, often secondary to lapses in insurance coverage. Extending postpartum Medicaid coverage through the first year postpartum could mitigate excess morbidity and mortality among postpartum individuals, particularly those with behavioural health conditions.

Keywords:

• Maternal mortality
• pregnancy
• postpartum
• health insurance
• behavioural health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authorship

All authors confirm that they meet the requirements for authorship.

Additional information

Funding

The present research was financially supported by the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Zivin's and Dr. Admon's work was funded by R01MH120124. The present research was also financially supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Dr. Admon's work was funded by 1K08HS027640.