A study by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) researchers found that expanded Medicaid benefits covering prenatal and postpartum care significantly increased detection and treatment of mental health conditions among low-income immigrant mothers.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open and led by Dr. Maria Rodriguez (above), director of the OHSU Center for Reproductive Health Equity, analyzed data from nearly 44,000 births to Medicaid recipients in Oregon and South Carolina. Oregon provides emergency Medicaid coverage for prenatal care, while South Carolina only covers emergencies and hospitalizations.
Researchers found that immigrant mothers in Oregon had higher rates of diagnosed mental health conditions like depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy compared to those in South Carolina. “Poor perinatal mental health is a significant contributor to the maternal health crisis we are facing in the U.S., and for immigrants, a lack of access to care is creating multigenerational cycles of poor health and inequities,” said Rodriguez.
The study highlights disparities in maternal mental healthcare access for low-income immigrants, who often lack social support networks. “It’s even more important that we provide adequate mental health resources during such a vulnerable period,” Rodriguez noted, calling for more states to expand Medicaid to cover perinatal care for this underserved population.
See “OHSU study highlights disparities in mental health outcomes among immigrants before, after birth” (February 21, 2024)
