Social and behavioral factors impact the health of mothers and infants. Things like a mother’s behavioral health, tobacco use, substance abuse, as well as other health-related social needs1 all play a role. When these needs are addressed, maternal and infant outcomes improve.2 The Lab and the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) are working together to map the perinatal Medicaid-patient experience. We will look at how patients are screened and referred to support services. The findings will inform how the District continues to improve maternal health outcomes.
Photo Credit: Photo by Muhamad Harun Rabiyudin on Unsplash
Why is this issue important in DC?
DC has a high maternal mortality rate—28.2 deaths for every 100,000 births in 2024. The national average is 23.5. We also have one of the highest preterm birth rates in the United States—11.8%.3
This number is even higher—14.7%—for Medicaid patients. With almost half of DC births covered by Medicaid, it is important to focus on improvements for this patient group.3
What are we doing?
We will meet with Medicaid providers—OBGYN practices, health centers, and doulas—to map their patients' experiences from the first prenatal appointment through 12 months postpartum. These maps will focus on when and how patients are screened and referred to support services. These maps will help reveal ways to improve the patient experience.
What have we learned?
We expect findings from this work in Spring 2026.
What comes next?
Medicaid providers will use these journey maps to find pain points and think about ways to improve the patient experience.
What happened behind the scenes?
In January 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services selected DC for their Transforming Maternal Health initiative. This ten-year grant focuses on whole-person care to enhance maternal health care for District residents.
“We know that when we invest in maternal health, we are investing in stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for our city.”
1 These largely focus on the patient’s housing, food/nutrition, transportation, and personal safety needs.
4 Executive Office of the Mayor. January, 2025.