The purpose of this program is to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity by supporting programming that improves maternal health and addresses maternal health disparities through quality services, a skilled workforce, enhanced data quality and capacity, and innovative programming. Health status and care received by individuals before, during, and after a pregnancy are strong contributing factors to maternal mortality and morbidity. In addition to there being room for improvement in maternal health outcomes overall in Wisconsin, there are stark maternal mortality and morbidity inequities that need to be addressed. The MHI Program serves as a catalyst to accelerate improvement, address inequities, and identify medical and non-medical causes of maternal mortality and morbidity.; This funding request will support efforts by Wisconsin DHS and the MHI program to assist pregnant and postpartum individuals with renewals and applications for Medicaid. Pregnant and postpartum individuals often face significant barriers to accessing care. Wisconsin DHS plans to utilize these funds to provide patient navigation as a strategy aimed at reducing disparities by helping this population overcome those barriers. Patient navigation can be an individualized intervention and should be provided to pregnant and postpartum individuals who otherwise would not be able to access care.
