Strengthening Maternal Health Research - Payer Strategies to Improve Maternal Health Care.

Abstract

Maternal health outcomes in the United States remain constrained by fragmented care, inequities, and gaps in postpartum support. Payers, particularly Medicaid, are uniquely positioned to address these challenges through payment reforms, data-driven interventions, and cross-sector partnerships. Informed by the Symposium to Strengthen Maternal Health Research: Payer Strategies to Improve Maternal Health Care, this article presents a strategic framework for payer-led action, emphasizing early pregnancy identification, coordinated care, culturally tailored services, and equity-focused quality measurement. Short-, intermediate-, and long-term priorities outline pathways for research, implementation, and scaling of effective strategies. Sustained collaboration among payers, providers, researchers, policy makers, and communities is essential to improve maternal health outcomes.