Report shows uptick in maternal mortality for PA women of color / Public News Service

pennsylvania 23rd place Interstate for the holistic health of women and children in new circumstances American health ranking Report by United Health Foundation.

The Keystone State ranks 24th in maternal mortality, or the rate of death after pregnancy. Although the numbers have improved from last year, nationally, maternal mortality rate This is an increase of 29% since 2019.

Dr. Shari Livingston, an obstetrician and gynecologist and chair of the department at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Lancaster, said black maternal health is important because black women are three to four times more likely to die after breastfeeding than white women. He said there is always room for improvement. birth.

“Social determinants of health that negatively impact pre-pregnancy health, health during pregnancy, and most importantly postpartum health,” Livingston explained. “Four out of five postpartum deaths are preventable. Most women who die after childbirth do so more than 43 days after giving birth.”

Livingston noted that COVID-19 has exposed major health disparities in the United States, adding that the report highlighted worsening maternal mortality rates for people of color.

Livingston is a co-founder of the university’s Health Equity Now Committee, whose goal is to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality among Pennsylvania’s racially and ethnically diverse populations. It pointed out.

“That forces us to do three things,” Livingston outlined. “Pay attention to your patients. How do they feel about their care? How do they feel about their pregnancy? What’s going on during their pregnancy? So we’re looking at the data. Policies… Nothing happens without laws, right? ?Policies need to change.”

Livingston said the 70-member committee, which also includes doulas, believes that diversifying the prenatal workforce and including doulas will improve maternal health outcomes, especially for women of color. He added that this is shown in the data.

Dr. Lisa Soule, UnitedHealthcare’s national medical director for maternal and child health, said a healthy pregnancy comes down to access to health care.

“Access to obstetric care, access to hospitals is an issue in our country,” Saul argued. “We know about obstetric care ‘deserts’ where women sometimes have to travel up to two hours not only to see a doctor or gynecologist, but also to give birth.”

Saul emphasized the importance of “calling out” disparities in pregnancy outcomes for people of color. The report also includes some good news, including a decline in the teen birth rate and fewer Pennsylvania teens using e-cigarette products.

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There are only a few weeks left until the end… Medicare open enrollmentWest Virginia experts say now is the time to compare your current coverage to next year’s plan and make changes to avoid paying too much out of pocket.

Kimberly Taylor-Newsome, state program director for the West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Center, said the details of Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans often change each year, so individuals can rely on the same benefits. He said that people should not assume that.

“You can change your drug formula, you can change your premiums, you can change your deductible, you can change the pharmacy you work with,” Taylor-Newsom outlined.

Taylor-Newsom noted that resource counselors are available through the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center and can help people carefully review their current coverage and compare plans. You can also see if people are eligible for other help to save money. Counselors can be reached at 866-981-2372, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Taylor-Newsom added that with many of the state’s older residents suffering financially from inflation, not choosing the right plan could lead to more people forgoing needed medications and care. .

“You can’t take care of someone if they can’t stay healthy, if they can’t get the medicine and medical care they need,” Taylor-Newsom stressed.

A recent KFF study found that Medicare enrollees: more satisfied They have more comprehensive health insurance coverage than adults who have other types of insurance. But concerns about monthly premiums and prescription drug costs remain high, especially among people with disabilities who rely on the program.

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Health insurance premiums are once again rising under the federal Affordable Care Act, experts said. ongoing subsidy Should protect most mainers from additional costs.

In fact, 8 out of 10 Maina residents with Marketplace plans will qualify for premium subsidies to lower their monthly payments.

Kate Ende, policy director at Consumers for Affordable Healthcare, said doing your healthcare homework is important for anyone looking to start a new plan or continue with their current plan. .

“That’s the important part: shop around to make sure the plan you get in 2024 covers what you need, but also stays within your price range,” Ende urged.

Ende pointed out that open registration will run from November 1st to January 16th, but if you want to start your coverage at the beginning of the year you need to register by December 15th.

More insurance companies are expanding mental health coverage and offering more virtual care options, which gained popularity during the pandemic.

Governor Janet Mills of Maine signed bill This is to ensure that the cost of the first behavioral health visit of each year is fully covered and the cost of the second and third visits are covered by a copay.

Ende acknowledged that it may be tempting to choose the cheapest plan, but cautioned people to pay attention to the details.

“It is very important to check the medical provider directory and drug prescription list,” Ende explained. “Make sure the plan you choose also covers the doctors and health care providers you need, as well as the medications you take.”

Ende added that while health care planning decisions can be confusing, there is help available. Consumers for Affordable Healthcare offers enrollment support both in-person and through both. help hotline800-965-7476.

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If you don’t have health insurance or the plan your employer offers is too expensive, you may be in luck.

Open enrollment begins today in the state’s marketplace, known as . Covered CA, state health insurance markets. An estimated 1.3 million Californians are eligible for free Medi-Cal or low-cost plans.

Jessica Altman, executive director of CoveredCA, the state’s health insurance marketplace, said the subsidies will make the plans more affordable.

“Ninety percent of CoveredCA enrollees receive financial assistance, and two-thirds of them have access to comprehensive health insurance for less than $10 per month.”

Insurance premiums will increase by 9% this year, but many people won’t notice the increase. federal grants From the Inflation Control Act and the New California State Enhanced cost sharing programThis would reduce spending for people who earn up to 250% of the federal poverty level, or about $35,000 a year for an individual and about $70,000 for a family of four.

Altman said help is available to help navigate the process.

“In addition to visiting CoveredCA.com or calling us, we have over 14,000 enrollment assistants in communities across the state who speak a variety of languages ​​and are ready to help,” Altman said. emphasized. “Always free for Californians, always confidential.”

This year, income-eligible DACA recipients will be able to sign up for CoveredCA plans, thanks to a policy change by the Biden administration. The open enrollment period lasts until the end of January, but he must enroll by New Year’s Eve to begin coverage on January 1st.

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