- Doula benefit implementation in 6 state Medicaid programs
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In a new policy brief, Emma Mairson from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and AcademyHealth’s Project DREAM describes six state efforts to create a doula benefit in Medicaid. A workgroup of 14 doula and university research partners from the six Project DREAM states collected data and found that states have taken significantly different approaches to incorporating a doula benefit in their Medicaid programs and many differences exist around reimbursement, visit schedule, referrals, and professional requirements. Learn more about each state’s approach to doula benefits in Medicaid in this policy brief.
Doula Benefit Implementation In 6 State Medicaid Programs Policy Brief
- Pharmacist Provision of Contraception
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Expanding Pennsylvania pharmacists’ scope of practice to include prescribing of hormonal contraception offers the opportunity to support women’s reproductive autonomy, improve access to essential services, and meaningfully expand clinical pharmacists’ role in women’s health care. Advancing this practice in Pennsylvania also has the potential to advance reproductive health equity for both rural and underserved urban populations. - Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Privacy
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EOBs sent to insurance policyholders may serve as a deterrent for dependents who are seeking sexual and reproductive health care services. We are currently working with legislators and private health plans to implement a policy change to suppress EOBs for dependents for sexual and reproductive health care.
- 12 Month Dispensing of Contraception
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Based on cost analyses models conducted by CONVERGE faculty, Pennsylvania Medicaid recently recommended that all of its plans cover 12 month contraceptive dispensing. We are currently investigating what proportion of patients in Medicaid plans were able to fill a 12-month supply of hormonal contraception. Based on these results, we expect that more robust efforts (including a state mandate) will be required to change prescribing and pharmacy dispensing practices to effectively implement this policy change.
12- Month Dispensing of Self- Administered Contraception in Pennsylvania