FSSA should restore Prenatal Care Coord.

ICHS testified and comments about Medicaid reimbursment for prenatal care. ICHS argued:

1) The policy is not cost-effective. FSSA estimates that eliminating the program will save $146,000 over two years, whereas the cost of one year’s care for one premature or low birth-weight baby is estimated at $49,000.

2) Prenatal care coordination works, as evident by documentation that participating women increase first-trimester care, reduce or quit smoking, deliver fewer low birth-weight babies and increase breastfeeding.

3) Face-to-face contact is needed with this population (in contrast to the alternative of e-mail, phone and letter contacts by managed care providers).

LSA #11-419, Case Management Services for Pregnant Women.

Reference Medicaid Oversight Excerpts October 2011.  

ICHS Members and partners are encouraged to email or postal mail comments to FSSA by January 13. Need help, outcome data or sample content? Contact us.