Covered Calif. Plans Lack Quality Maternity Care for High-Risk Women
Covered California does not provide sufficient maternity care coverage for high-risk pregnant women, according to a study by George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health, Medical Daily reports.
Details of Study
For the study, researchers compared maternity coverage offered under plans sold through Covered California and Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program.
The study examined laws, regulations and documents related to the plans. For example, researchers looked at the Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program, which is a part of Medi-Cal. Low-income women enrolled in Covered California plans eventually will be able to access CPSP coverage under legislation passed in June (Iyer, Medical Daily, 10/31).
Findings
The researchers found that while Covered California plans provide standard quality care for women with average health risks, they are not equipped to address the needs of women who are considered high-risk because of their economic status (GWU Milken Institute release, 10/31).
The researchers made two recommendations:
- Include CPSP providers in Covered California provider networks and allow supplemental Medi-Cal payments; and
- Provide access to out-of-network coverage for women who want to use a CPSP provider.
Lead researcher Sara Rosenbaum said, "These solutions are consistent with standard plan management practices" (Medical Daily, 10/31).
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