Fourteen states to participate in maternal health model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the 14 states participating in its Transforming Maternal Health Model. They are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Washington, D.C., also will participate. The model will provide support and resources to state Medicaid agencies to develop programs addressing new mothers’ physical health, mental health and social needs during pregnancy and postpartum. The model launched Jan. 1 and will run for 10 years. In addition, late last year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded $10 million for a new grant program supporting the behavioral health of pregnant and postpartum women.