Closing Gaps in Maternal Mental Health
The Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health is a national think tank, nonprofit organization advancing policies that support a health care system that routinely detects and treats maternal mental health disorders for every mother, every time.
So far this month, the following articles caught my attention. You’ll now see articles grouped by topic, including Suicide, Interrelated Issues, Treatments, Race, Abortion, and more. More studies than usual were printed so far this month relative to treatments. Give this run-down a skim. You can also find these articles posted on our social media platforms throughout the month. Join us there to discuss these findings.
Read MoreOn May 5, 2022, several organizations, including 2020 Mom, were invited to join the National Consumers League in sharing their work and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-related priorities. Here are Joy Burkhard’s remarks:
Read MoreThis edition of my twice-monthly article round-up includes a commentary about the need to more urgently address shortages of psychiatrists. I couldn't agree more, and I also think we must increase the number of psychologists, those who can do full assessments of mothers (and others) with complex symptoms and causes, so we can accurately diagnose and treat the right problem, which may or may not need an RX or MD prescribed treatment. We also need to start thinking about mental health ‘medical homes’ which provide psychological assessment, therapy, peer support, psychiatric support, and care coordination with the PCP or in our case, Ob/midwife.
Read MoreCMS issues Proposed Rule to Integrate Equity and Maternal Health Quality Measures into Payment for Hospitals
On April 19, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule (aka regulation) to expand on key priorities of advancing maternal health and health equity in maternal health care.
Read MoreSubstance use disorders affect millions of people every year and substance use among women is increasing. Like many other diseases, substance use disorders are both preventable and treatable. However, people who suffer from these disorders are forced to navigate an often unwelcoming and fragmented health care system and a profound degree of stigma when seeking support, education, and treatment.
Read MoreStarting this month, I am breaking my “What We’re Reading” blog posts into twice-monthly posts so news reaches you more timely. Here are some of the topics highlighted in the articles I read over the last two weeks:
Read MoreThe postnatal phase, defined here as the first six weeks after delivery, is a critical time for mothers, newborns, partners, parents, caregivers, and families; however this period of significant transition remains the most neglected phase in quality maternal and newborn health care.
On March 30th, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched global guidance for a positive postnatal experience. A total of 63 recommendations are made.
Read MoreDuring 2020 Mom’s recent Maternal Mental Health FORUM, one panel discussion was focused on “Closing Racial Disparity Gaps Through Policy Solutions.” The panel was moderated by U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood (D-IL), who co-chairs the Congressional Black Maternal Health Caucus and is leading the Black Maternal Health Momnibus in the House of Representatives.
Panel speakers included:
Anna Benyo, MPP, Senior Program Officer, Center for Health Care Strategies
Amy Chen, Senior Attorney, National Health Law Program
Some topics covered in the articles that I’m highlighting from last month include:
the growing and undeniable behavioral health crisis,
increased interest in the mental health tech space, and
at-home healthcare not being accessible for all.
On March 28, the Biden-Harris Administration submitted to Congress the President’s Budget for fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Although this budget document is non-binding, it does represent key policy and programmatic priorities from the Administration.
Below are highlights from the President’s Budget that show meaningful investments in maternal health across federal government agencies. 2020 Mom will continue to track the progress of these programs as Congress advances their FY23 appropriations bills.
Read MoreOn March 30, 2022, the Senate Finance Committee, led by Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID), held a hearing titled, “Behavioral Health Care When Americans Need It: Ensuring Parity and Care Integration.”
Read MoreOn April 1, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the new option for states to extend Medicaid and CHIP coverage for a full 12 months postpartum. This extension is now in effect for those in the postpartum period. In states that have elected to extend the funding, mothers who otherwise would not be eligible for Medicaid outside of pregnancy will now receive 12 months of health care coverage.
Read MoreUniversal Screening or assessment for maternal mental health (MMH) disorders, like postpartum depression, is recommended by all leading medical and provider associations. The need for improved screening rates has recently gained more traction with providers and the media given the pandemic’s impact on mothers and mental health and with the heightened interest in maternal mortality, including suicide.
Read MoreHere’s what you need to know about the federal budget and maternal mental health.
Last week, federal lawmakers in the House and Senate passed their overdue fiscal year (FY) 2022 (Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022) spending package, and President Biden signed it into law. Notably, because a significant portion of healthcare funds were diverted to support Ukraine, funding levels for many mental health and maternal health programs were lower than expected based on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees’ proposals.
Read MoreThis month, some of the articles that caught my attention include, using Neuroscience as a way to advance social justice, surprise benefits of pandemic pregnancy, and how “ghost” insurance networks prevent Americans from getting the mental health care they need.
Leave a comment below if any of these articles strike a chord with you.
Read MoreRecently, the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Labor (DOL), and Health and Human Services (HHS) released their 2022 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) Report to Congress.
This report indicates that health insurers are failing to deliver parity for mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) coverage for their beneficiaries.
Read MoreIn honor of Black History Month, we recognize and appreciate the imperative work of our Black-led non-profit partner organizations. Not just this month, but throughout the year – we encourage you to support them through learning more about their work and to consider giving resources if you can.
Read MoreThis month, articles about specific risk factors during pregnancy, how using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat insomnia prevents depression, and the effects of Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are among those that I highlight below. Leave a comment below if any of these articles strike a chord with you.
Read MoreNational maternal mental health advocacy non-profit announces its focus on improvements to screening and diagnosis, insurance coverage and reimbursement, and build-up of providers and treatments, as it expands its Board of Directors.
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