S.6232 (Webb)/A.1341 (Paulin) – AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to authorizing a prenatal and postpartum informational mobile application.
EmblemHealth is proud to support New York State legislation S.6232 (Webb)/A.1341 (Paulin) which would authorize the New York Department of Health to create a mobile application tailored to deliver critical prenatal and postpartum health information to Medicaid-eligible individuals. This legislation would leverage digital tools to improve access to health education and support services for a particularly vulnerable population.
For many New Yorkers, especially those enrolled in Medicaid, access to culturally competent and timely information can be the difference between healthy outcomes and preventable complications. Providing individuals with the tools and knowledge to navigate the critical periods of pregnancy and postpartum are essential to achieving health equity. The NYS Department of Health recognizes the systemic barriers to accessing care and navigating the health care system, noting that individuals who are black are five times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than individuals who are white who give birth in New York.1
EmblemHealth is committed to improving maternal health outcomes and supporting underserved communities. Through our 15 Neighborhood Care sites across New York City, community members are connected to vital social and health care services, like WIC and SNAP benefits.2 We also recognize the ability of technology to transform healthcare. For example, we recently partnered with an industry leader to develop a digital platform to connect doulas and pregnant individuals. This tool will reduce the administrative barriers that doulas face in billing and working with health plans and ease the journey of care for those who are expecting. Through our Healthy Futures Program, proactively identify risk factors and connect members to a care manager using a text-based solution.3 Additionally, we support high-risk mothers with direct and frequent outreach to identify and manage pregnancy related complications through our High-Risk Maternity Program. Members are also provided with lactation support through our partner SimpliFed, a virtual lactation consultant group, that offers a baby feeding care plan starting in pregnancy and continuing through postpartum.
We also work closely with our affiliated physician practice, AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), a primary and specialty care practice serving half a million patients across the New York area. ACPNY provides OB/GYN services at 27 medical offices across all 5 boroughs of New York City and Long Island. Most ACPNY patients identify as racial minorities, with 41% identifying as Black or African American and 23% Hispanic or Latino. We also reach the community through hosting virtual discussions, including one specifically on Black maternal health and another on women’s health across all life stages, to provide education and information about support and resources.4 We support provider-to-provider education on maternal mental health topics through informational newsletters and articles shared within our network, and we’ve made self-advocacy checklists for members on pregnancy, labor, and delivery.5
The proposed legislation aligns closely with our ongoing efforts to reduce disparities and improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for communities of color that continue to face disproportionate health risks. EmblemHealth is proud of our commitment to women’s health and supports innovative efforts that ensure healthy outcomes for all New Yorkers. We support the passage of New York State legislation S.6232 (Webb)/A.1341 (Paulin) which represents an important step in addressing a complex problem and thank Senator Webb and Chairwoman Paulin for their leadership.