How this Texas partnership helps mothers with Medicaid access essential care

The state of Texas and health care leaders are continuously finding ways to improve the lives of mothers and babies. Collaborations between health care providers and managed care organizations (MCOs) can help improve maternal health outcomes across Texas and the nation.

CareSource Bayou Health is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind partnership in Texas created by CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit Medicaid MCO, and Legacy Community Health, the largest federally qualified health center (FQHC) in the state serving nearly 200,000 community members in the Beaumont and Houston areas with more than 80% Medicaid and charity care community members. Leveraging CareSource’s 30 years of national Medicaid managed care experience with Legacy’s 40 years of experience living and working in the communities of Southeast Texas, the collaboration will elevate the member-provider-payor experience by bringing together the heart and mission of two respected nonprofits with national scale and resources.

Reducing the risk of infant death

Infant mortality is an ongoing issue plaguing the health care system, especially for minority and low-income families. These communities face a higher risk of health disparities and cultural discrimination. According to the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, Black mothers in Texas are especially at risk. Prenatal care decreases the risk of death and premature birth by allowing Legacy health care providers to uncover the signs of high-risk pregnancies and birth defects early on. In Georgia, CareSource partnered with Walmart and Johnson & Johnson to establish Georgia Mama Care pilot programs that address factors perpetuating the Black maternal health crisis. Areas of focus include digital solutions to provide high-touch pregnancy care, health care provider education and self-care support. CareSource Bayou Health will address the whole health of the mother, connecting her to vital prenatal care and ensuring she has access to healthy foods and safe housing options.

As opioid use during pregnancy is increasing dramatically nationwide, mothers are susceptible to preterm labor, pregnancy-related death or other birth-related complications. CareSource supports the Indiana Pregnancy Promise Program (IPPP), a free program creating customized recovery plans for mothers on Medicaid living with or recovering from opioid use disorder. In the program’s annual report, data showed that 93% of participants achieved sustained recovery and 82% of infants were born at a healthy weight. IPPP’s lifesaving efforts resulted in a 100% survival rate for participants.

Postpartum care

The post-childbirth period is essential for mothers to rest, prioritize their health and establish a strong bond with their babies. Many women experience the “baby blues,” which can lead to postpartum depression, presenting new challenges to already struggling mothers. During postpartum visits, doctors oversee the mother’s physical and emotional recovery.

Legacy Community Health is the nation’s largest provider of maternal health in the community health center setting, and their patients are experiencing some of the highest-risk pregnancies in the nation. According to a 2020 report from the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, nearly 71% of women who died from pregnancy-related causes in Texas died within one year of the baby’s birth. Nationwide, CareSource provides transformative resources to postpartum mothers. For example, Indiana and Ohio women who are unable to breastfeed can receive breastmilk through CareSource’s partnership with The Milk Bank and OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank. In Ohio, CareSource supported Healthy Beginnings at Home to test the impact of housing stabilization on pregnant women and provide secure housing options to mothers. Nearly 87% of babies in the program were born full term and at a healthy birth weight.

During the 2023 legislative session, Texas extended Medicaid coverage for mothers and babies up to 12 months after birth. This was a big win for mothers, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most pregnancy-related deaths occur between 43 to 365 days postpartum. This lifesaving extension will help mothers receive coverage for additional checkups and other benefits. Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan made 12-month postpartum coverage a priority during the last two legislative sessions. He hails from Beaumont, where Legacy serves many people with high-risk pregnancies. CareSource and Legacy are grateful for Speaker Phelan’s passion for the communities Legacy serves and thank Representative Toni Rose, Senator Lois Kolkhorst and Gov. Greg Abbott for signing House Bill 12, a landmark legislation for new moms in Texas.

Resources for mothers

There are numerous vital organizations supporting the whole health of mothers outside of the doctor’s office. It is important to invest in those community-based organizations so they can continue to meet the needs of mothers during each stage of their journey. CareSource Bayou Health collaborates and financially supports numerous organizations in Southeast Texas, including March of Dimes of Greater Houston, Shades of Blue Project and Hope Women’s Resource Clinic of Beaumont, which have used grant funding to provide community resources to pregnant and postpartum mothers.

Legacy Community Health serves about 900 mothers annually through prenatal classes, events and baby showers. CareSource has provided programs and support to mothers in several states with free breast pumps, pregnancy tests, scales, a nurse advice line and free rides to crucial doctor appointments. This collaboration through CareSource Bayou Health will help improve the wellness of mothers in Texas and ultimately save lives.

In early 2023, Walmart and CareSource announced they entered into a unique agreement to address maternal and child health in underserved and under-resourced communities to encourage positive lifestyle behavior changes and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Walmart and CareSource Bayou Health, alongside multiple FQHCs and community-based organizations, will offer health care items, information and workshops for parents to provide support for mothers and babies in Texas. The initiative will take place on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at a Houston-area Walmart located at 1118 Silber Road, Houston, Texas 77055.

Mothers on Medicaid have access to a surplus of resources to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, and families can thrive when they have the tools to do so. CareSource Bayou Health looks forward to extending its life-changing programs and partnerships to enhance the well-being of mothers and infants in Southeast Texas.

CareSource Bayou Health is a joint venture between CareSource and Legacy Community Health, combining both organization’s mission-driven approaches for a lasting difference in the health of members and communities.