Alabama Medicaid Receives Grant to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes
ALABAMA MEDICAID AGENCY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025 CONTACT: MELANIE CLEVELAND – (334) 353-9363 – melanie.cleveland@medicaid.alabama.gov
MONTGOMERY — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded the Alabama Medicaid Agency (Medicaid) $914,551 for the first of 10 years to enhance maternal health and birth outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women, as well as their infants. This funding is part of the new Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model, a 10-year initiative aimed at improving care delivery for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients.
Governor Kay Ivey emphasized Alabama's dedication to improving maternal health outcomes across the state. "By implementing this data-driven strategy, we can secure healthier futures for parents and their newborns," she stated. “In Alabama, we are proud to continue fostering a culture of life and doing more to support Alabama families.”
The TMaH Model will help increase access to evidence-based maternal health practices and services, empowering mothers and supporting healthy births. The TMaH Model is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to drive improvements in maternal health. It seeks to make measurable strides in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes such as unnecessary cesarean sections and severe maternal morbidity.
"The TMaH Model is designed to enhance health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum mothers with Medicaid or CHIP coverage by addressing critical issues like hypertension, gestational diabetes, and other pregnancy-related complications," said Medicaid Commissioner Stephanie McGee Azar. "Through evidence-based practices and partnerships with healthcare providers, Alabama Medicaid is committed to improving care statewide."
Alabama's participation in the TMaH Model can increase access to essential maternal health services and support hospitals and health systems in achieving the CMS “Birthing-Friendly” designation— the first federal quality standard focused on maternal health. The initiative also prioritizes screening for social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and substance use disorders, connecting mothers to community-based resources for additional support.
Alabama Medicaid is eligible for up to $16.5 million in funding over the next decade as part of this initiative. The goal is to ensure that mothers and their newborns receive the care and resources they need to thrive, with a focus on safety, empowerment, and long-term health.
To view the award announcement from CMS, visit Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model | CMS.
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