OHA extends Medicaid coverage after childbirth under OHP

Salem, Oregon — Oregonians and their children born under Medicaid are entitled to 12 months of medically necessary physical, dental, visual, and behavioral care through the state’s health plan. rice field.

Previously, women eligible for the Oregon Health Plan because of their pregnancy status were limited to 60 days after giving birth. The change took effect retroactively in April after the Oregon Department of Health (OHA) received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to extend benefits for 12 months after giving birth.

“A little over 40% of births in the U.S. are under Medicaid. In Oregon, at least that’s higher,” OHA director Patrick Allen told the Oregon Health Policy Board in June.

The postpartum period is a critical time for both parent and baby, including physical recovery, breastfeeding support, mental health struggles, and managing health conditions that can be amplified by pregnancy.

The expansion of postnatal care aims to advance OHA’s goal of ending health care inequities by 2030.

A report issued by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at HHS showed that non-Latino blacks and Native Americans/Alaska Natives had pregnancy-related mortality rates two to three times higher than the white population. It has been.

According to reports, one-third of pregnancy-related deaths occur within the first year after childbirth.

You do not need to enroll in a new program to receive extended care. People with Oregon health insurance automatically receive extended coverage if eligible during pregnancy.

Providers have been informed of what is covered, said Liz Gharst, the OHA’s health policy communications officer.

Erin Fair-Taylor, vice president of Medicaid Programs at Pacific Source Health Plans, said the extended care includes adding more robust vision and dental care for pregnant women, who are usually more restricted. I explained that

Mr. Taylor confirmed the importance of communication with providers and OHP users. She encourages anyone who needs help navigating the healthcare system to call PacificSource at 888-977-9299 to understand the care available, find a provider that accepts OHPs, and other health services. I mentioned that you can ask questions about navigation.

“No one wants to struggle alone,” said Taylor. “We are here to help.”

Salem’s mom, Aracely Navarrete, understands postpartum struggles.

After a difficult labor and delivery about three years ago, she had to undergo two blood transfusions and struggled with fatigue and mental health all the while caring for the newborn.

“I found it very difficult physically and mentally to take care of a baby because I still need to heal myself,” Navarrete said.

After the exhaustion, Navarrete also struggled with breastfeeding.

“Looking back on it now, I wish there was some kind of support for new mothers that could provide support at home,” Navarrete said.

The 12-month Postpartum OHP Extended Warranty does not provide home support.

Navarrete said how much help would be appreciated during the day. During her off hours she had the support of her mother and her husband, but during the day she cared for her daughter alone.

“New moms need to be cared for to provide a strong foundation for this little baby’s health and well-being,” Navarrete said. “If the mother is sick and cannot get support, so will the baby.”

Providers can refer patients who are struggling to care for themselves and their babies for doula care, but PacificSource only supports 15 hours of doula care using Flex Funds.

Annie Willems, postpartum doula at Pacific Northwest Doulas in Salem, said there is also a shortage of doulas who provide non-clinical in-home support in any way clients need.

“We turn down OHP clients every day because we don’t have enough doulas,” Willems says.

Additionally, finding a doula who understands the culture and speaks the client’s native language can be a barrier.

“We can tell our clients that we provide all this support, but if we can’t speak their language, it doesn’t really help,” says Willems.

She said her office gets a lot of calls from people who are having trouble getting appointments with obstetricians and primary care doctors and want some help.

Several other local moms shared their postpartum struggles.

Katrina Rivera of Keizer said it’s difficult to find a dental practice that accepts OHPs that aren’t fully booked.

Albany’s mother, Mackenzie Kay, suffered from postpartum PTSD and struggled to top up her medication while awaiting continued coverage for her OHP.

Kei pleaded with doctors and pharmacists, but was still unable to get her medicine refilled.

“I didn’t have the money, so I had to pay for them out of pocket.

“I was so lost and had no help,” she said.

Julia Regan of Salem suffered from postpartum depression and hypochondria after giving birth. He said he had to.

“I hope these stories draw attention to postpartum and how important it is to ask these moms for help when they need it,” Regan said.

Sydney Wyatt covers health inequalities in the Mid Willamette Valley for the Statesman Journal. You can reach her at SWyatt@gannett.com, her phone at (503) 399-6613, or her Twitter @sydney_elise44.