MEDICAID AS AN ACT OF LIBERATION
Health Tech 4 Medicaid
We're on a mission to radically change the pace of innovation in Medicaid, improving quality, equity and access to care.
As we commemorate Juneteenth, a day celebrating liberation and freedom, we are reminded of the ongoing fight for justice and equity in all aspects of life, including reproductive healthcare. This Juneteenth, we reflect on the strides made towards birthing health equity at Health Tech 4 Medicaid and we examine the work that remains to be done. We are excited to share our commitment to innovative solutions that aim to improve sexual, reproductive and birthing healthcare experiences for Medicaid patients nationwide.??
As we step into June, we celebrate not just the vibrant colors of Pride but also the profound historical significance of Juneteenth. This month, we are reminded of the ongoing journey toward liberation—a journey not just about recognition but about reaching tangible equity and the full realization of our humanity, particularly in healthcare.
At Health Tech for Medicaid, we are dedicated to turning these moments of reflection into pathways of action. This commitment is vividly seen in our strides in women’s health where we continue to push the boundaries to ensure that all individuals receive the care and respect they deserve.
This Friday, our eagerly anticipated Medicaid redetermination webinar will feature a powerhouse lineup of experts poised to discuss critical developments and innovative strategies in Medicaid services. This session is more than just a meeting of minds; it is part of our broader mission to dismantle barriers and foster inclusivity at every level of healthcare delivery.
Looking ahead to the next quarter, we are excited to unveil a series of partnerships and collaborations that promise to further our impact. These new alliances are set to enhance our reach and deepen our commitment to communities often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems.
Let’s carry forward the spirit of Pride and Juneteenth, using these reflections as fuel to drive our collective mission for health equity. Together, we are building a foundation for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to this cause. We look forward to making more strides together.
With warmest regards,
Adimika Arthur
Medicaid Insights: Upcoming Webinars
In response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recent "Extension of Temporary Unwinding-Related Flexibilities," join us on June 28th for the "Medicaid Insights: Medicaid Redetermination" webinar, where we will delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the resumption of Medicaid eligibility redeterminations. As states navigate the complexities of this process, our expert speakers will discuss policy implications, innovative strategies, and stakeholder perspectives to ensure coverage continuity and access to care for Medicaid beneficiaries. This session is essential for healthcare providers, health tech innovators, policymakers, advocates, and any one else looking to understand and improve the redetermination process, ensuring a smooth transition and mitigating disruptions in care. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and join the conversation on shaping the future of Medicaid redeterminations.
Details:
?? Date: June 28, 2024
? Time: 9am-10am PST / 12pm - 1pm EST
?? Location: Virtual
Join us on July 30th for a special HealthTech 4 Medicaid (HT4M) webinar as we celebrate Medicaid's 59th birthday! This milestone event will highlight the program's historic impact, current challenges, and future innovations in advancing healthcare access and equity for millions of Americans. We will explore groundbreaking innovations that have transformed Medicaid services, discuss the impact of recent policy changes, and highlight successful initiatives that have improved healthcare delivery for Medicaid beneficiaries.?
This event is designed for any and all stakeholders dedicated to enhancing Medicaid and promoting healthcare equity. Celebrate with us as we honor Medicaid's legacy and look forward to its future advancements!
Details:
?? Date: July 30th, 2024
? Time: 9am-10am PST / 12pm - 1pm EST
?? Location: Virtual
Medicaid & Birth Equity
Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing essential coverage for perinatal and reproductive healthcare services to low-income and marginalized communities.??Nearly two out of every three adult women enrolled in Medicaid are in their reproductive years (ages 19-44), and?Medicaid covers more than four in ten births in the United States. It is the largest source of public funding for family planning services.
Ensuring access to equitable, inclusive, and quality healthcare services, including family planning, maternal and birthing care, and reproductive health, is a critical component of Medicaid innovation.?
HT4M’s Commitment to Birthing Equity:
At Health Tech for Medicaid (HT4M), we are deeply committed to advancing sexual, reproductive, birthing and maternal health (SRBMH). Our initiatives aim to bridge gaps in care, leverage innovative technologies, and foster inclusive policies to support Medicaid beneficiaries.
SRBMH equity has been a core pillar of HT4M's mission since our inception.?Over the past month, HT4M has actively contributed to the birthing equity dialogue through several impactful initiatives, including:
The Role of Doulas in Medicaid & Birth Equity
Medicaid & Doula Services:
Recognizing the value of doula care, a?total of 43 states and Washington, D.C . have either implemented Medicaid coverage for doula care, are in the process of doing so, or have taken related or adjacent actions. This inclusion is part of broader efforts to address birthing health disparities and improve outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries. By offering coverage for doula services, Medicaid helps ensure that more individuals can access this crucial support, which is especially important for marginalized communities that often face higher risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
National Health Law Program's Doula Medicaid Project
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New York’s Standing Order on Doula Services:
In a significant step towards expanding access to doula care, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued a statewide standing order on June 10, 2024 that all New Yorkers who are pregnant, birthing, or postpartum would benefit from receiving doula services. The standing order fulfills the requirement for a provider recommendation for Medicaid to cover these services. It allows doulas to offer comprehensive support before, during, and after childbirth or at the end of pregnancy through 12 months postpartum.?Doulas are now able to enroll as NYS Medicaid doula services providers.
As HT4M continues to advocate for maternal and birthing health equity, we applaud such efforts that align with our mission to foster inclusive and innovative healthcare solutions for Medicaid beneficiaries. The Comprehensive Access to a Respectful Birth Experience (CARE) program, a joint venture between HT4M and the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS), is just one way that our team is working towards achieving this vision for New Yorkers and creating a scalable model nationwide.
How HT4M is Working with New York State
CARE will bridge gaps with equity, culture, and innovation:
CARE will strengthening the health workforce for better birth outcomes:
While the doula workforce is expanding, the demand for birth support workers, including community health workers and midwives, continues to outpace supply. The CARE program aims to bridge this gap by subsidizing training for hundreds of doulas across the state. This initiative will engage diverse individuals, including students, older adults, and Medicaid enrollees, in training programs that will equip them to meet the cultural and community needs of birthing people.
CARE will drive collaboration for transformative change:
Health Tech 4 Medicaid is dedicated to turning CARE from vision into reality. We are applying for federal support through the ARPA-H Heroes Program and are currently seeking investors willing to be listed on our application as supporters of this transformative initiative. By addressing the root causes of birthing health disparities and implementing evidence-based solutions, we can significantly improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers and ensure the long-term transformation of reproductive healthcare nationwide.
Join Us in Transforming Birthing Health
We invite you to be a pivotal part of this groundbreaking initiative. To learn more about how you can support and invest in the CARE program, please reach out to our team:
Together, we can ensure that every birthing person has access to the respectful, comprehensive care they deserve.
Abortion Access & Telehealth
The landscape of abortion access has been significantly impacted by advancements in telehealth. Telehealth services have become a critical tool in ensuring access to safe abortion care, particularly in areas with restrictive abortion laws or limited healthcare facilities.?Medication abortion can be prescribed through a telehealth visit, conducted via phone and/or video with a provider. This may occur in a direct-to-patient manner, site-to-site, or through a hybrid in-person/virtual care model.? However, laws permitting Telehealth for Medication Abortion Care (TMAB) vary state by state, with many states prohibiting TMAB and/or state Medicaid coverage for abortion in general.?
RHITES' Map of State Laws Impacting Telehealth for Medication Abortion Care (TMAB). View the interactive map here.
Despite the critical role of telehealth, its use for abortion care has seen a reduction post-pandemic, highlighting the need for continuous support and coverage for these services. Ensuring Medicaid coverage for telehealth services is essential in supporting reproductive rights and access to comprehensive abortion care for all individuals, regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status.
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Survey of Women Voters reveals that two years after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision , abortion access remains a significant issue for many voters,?especially among younger and pro-choice voters. Key takeaways include:
Calling All Women's Health Innovators: Collaborate with HT4M and FQHCs!
We're excited to announce an incredible opportunity for women's health innovators to collaborate with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) through our network.?This initiative offers substantial potential for collaboration and innovation to address the unique needs of the over a quarter of American families impacted by Medicaid.
Are You a Women's Health Innovator Working with FQHCs?
If your organization is currently involved in initiatives within or in collaboration with FQHCs, we want to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] and share with us:
By partnering with us on this initiative, you'll be part of a dynamic network dedicated to innovation within community health systems. Your expertise and dedication can significantly contribute to the success of this initiative, ensuring that women and birthing people across the nation receive the quality care they deserve.
Expand your HT4M experience! Stay engaged with our dynamic community and never miss out on HT4M events and opportunities.
Join us as we continue to shape the future of Medicaid, together!?