August 28, 2024 - Harrisburg, PA
Leadership from the Pennsylvania Departments of Human Services (DHS), Health (DOH), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) met with health care providers and doulas to kick off development of the Commonwealth's maternal health strategic plan, which will address high rates of maternal mortality, especially among Black women, and ensure pregnant women in Pennsylvania get the prenatal and postpartum care they need to live healthy lives for both themselves and their children.Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has prioritized addressing maternal health disparities in access to quality health care and secured a $2.6 million increase in the 2024-25 budget for maternal mortality prevention, managed through the Department of Health.Earlier this year, DHS expanded access to doulas for Medicaid recipients. Doula services have been found to ease the pregnancy and labor process and improve birth outcomes for both mother and child. This change allows certified doulas to enroll as Medicaid providers and enables Medicaid managed care organizations to enter into network agreements with them, allowing them to bill directly for services offered through pregnancy and postpartum. Speakers Include: DHS Secretary Dr. Val ArkooshDOH Secretary Dr. Debra BogenDDAP Deputy Secretary Kelly PrimusPID Insurance Commissioner Michael HumphreysDr. Sharee Livingston, Founding Board Member of Patients R WaitingDoulas representing the Patients R Waiting Diversifying Doulas Initiative
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