Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) is marking the second anniversary of its expanded Maternal and Infant Health Initiative. The program, active in Illinois, New Mexico, and Texas through HCSC’s health insurance plans, seeks to improve maternal and infant health by addressing factors that affect women, children, and families. This includes focusing on social determinants of health.
The initiative works to increase access to quality care, reduce gaps in care, and support local maternal and infant services. Yolanda Lawson MD, Executive Medical Director for Maternal and Infant Health at HCSC, stated: “This marks an important milestone as we celebrate two-years of our commitment to improving the health outcomes for the moms and babies. We look forward to supporting families at every stage of life and that starts with maternal care. HCSC is committed to driving positive change for maternal and infant health, and championing its advancement every step of the way.”
Since it began, the initiative has served more than 284,000 people through partnerships with community organizations and clinical providers offering specialized maternal health services. Nearly 176,000 preconception and prenatal patients have been screened for sexually transmitted diseases and cervical cancer. The program has distributed almost 21,000 bottles of prenatal vitamins to community partners for further distribution. More than 5,600 healthy babies have been born through program partners.
In addition to these efforts, HCSC has invested in workforce development for maternal health professionals such as doulas and midwives as part of its strategy to reduce disparities in perinatal care.
HCSC credits much of its progress to collaboration with community partners who help remove barriers from preconception through postpartum stages. These partnerships are seen as essential in making lasting improvements in maternal and infant health across the regions served.
Health Care Service Corporation is a major customer-owned health insurer in the United States with over 27 million members nationwide. It offers coverage options for employers of all sizes as well as individuals and families under Medicare and Medicaid plans. The company also provides pharmacy solutions, life insurance, dental coverage, and other related healthcare products through various affiliates.
