Improving maternal health for racially and ethnically diverse birthing individuals

Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Health through Policy Interventions

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10980558

This study is looking at how three health insurance policies can help improve the health of birthing individuals from racially and ethnically minoritized backgrounds, especially during and after pregnancy, to reduce serious health risks they face.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10980558 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the health outcomes of racially and ethnically minoritized birthing individuals by examining the effectiveness of three key health insurance policies. These policies include allowing young adults to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26, expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income adults, and maintaining Medicaid coverage for new mothers beyond 60 days postpartum during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing these policies, the research seeks to identify ways to reduce severe maternal morbidity and mortality among these populations, who face significantly higher risks compared to non-Hispanic White individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are racially and ethnically minoritized birthing individuals who are at risk of severe maternal morbidity or mortality.

Not a fit: Patients who are not racially or ethnically minoritized or those who do not fall within the reproductive age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health insurance policies that significantly reduce maternal health disparities for racially and ethnically diverse birthing individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that health insurance expansions can positively impact maternal health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.