A new study by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) found that expanding Medicaid coverage to include the period before and after birth significantly improved detection and treatment of mental health conditions among low-income immigrant mothers. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, highlight disparities in maternal mental health care access for this underserved population.
Maria Rodriguez, M.D., M.P.H., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at OHSU School of Medicine and director of the OHSU Center for Reproductive Health Equity, emphasized that poor perinatal mental health contributes to the maternal health crisis in the U.S., with immigrants facing unique barriers to care due to socioeconomic factors and lack of access based on immigration status.
Medicaid, which provides health coverage to over 90 million low-income individuals and families in the U.S., does not guarantee access to care during pregnancy for some immigrants. The study suggests that expanding Medicaid benefits to cover the perinatal period could help address multigenerational cycles of poor health and inequities among immigrant communities.
Rodriguez called for additional research and efforts to identify culturally appropriate screening tools and interventions to further improve maternal mental health outcomes for immigrant mothers.
See “New study highlights disparities in mental health outcomes among immigrants before and after birth” (February 21, 2024)
