Medicaid and non-Medicaid prenatal care by nurse-midwives. Comparison of risk, time, care coordination, and reimbursement

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to compare high-risk pregnant women with medical assistance payment (HRMA) and those with private insurance payment (HRPI) on use of provider time, care coordination activities, and financial reimbursement. Comparisons were also conducted for the same factors between the high-risk and low-risk women (LRMA) that received medical assistance payment for their care. Total time spent by care providers in giving antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care was highest for the HRPI women. However, the two medical assistance groups started prenatal care significantly later and had fewer visits, and one-third did not return for their 6-weeks postpartum visit. The HRPI group also had a higher cesarean birth rate. Rates of care coordination activities such as calls, referrals, and consultations were significantly higher for the HRPI and HRMA women compared with those for the LRMA women. However, the HRMA women have limited financial and psychosocial resources that require additional provider management and referrals. Reimbursement rate was highest for the HRPI group in which approximately 73% of the total amount billed was collected compared with approximately 56% among medical assistance women. Recommendations for policy, practice, and further research are offered.