Examining how Medicaid policies can improve racial equity in maternal health outcomes.
The Effects of Medicaid Policy Interventions on Racial Equity in Severe Maternal Morbidity
This study is looking at how certain changes to Medicaid can help improve the health of new moms, especially in Black communities, by testing different support programs like payments for doulas and better care models, to see if they work better than regular care in Pennsylvania.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10888355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of specific Medicaid policy interventions aimed at reducing severe maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly among Black populations. It focuses on three key interventions: an equity incentive payment program, an equity-focused obstetric care bundled payment model, and a reimbursement program for doula services. By employing a multi-armed intervention study design, the research will compare the effectiveness of these interventions against standard care for Medicaid beneficiaries in Pennsylvania. The study emphasizes community engagement and continuous analysis to ensure that racial equity is prioritized throughout the implementation process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black individuals who are Medicaid beneficiaries and are pregnant or recently postpartum.
Not a fit: Patients who are not enrolled in Medicaid or who do not identify as part of the targeted Black populations may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved maternal health outcomes and reduced racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted policy interventions can effectively address health disparities, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mendez, Dara Daneen — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mendez, Dara Daneen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.