Mayor Bowser Announces $17 Million in Funding to Transform Medicaid Maternal Health

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District of Columbia has been selected to participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Transforming Maternal Health initiative. The District will receive up to $17 million over ten years to enhance maternal health care for Medicaid beneficiaries, focusing on equity, quality, and whole-person care during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.

“This funding will help us connect more families to the resources and support they need for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience,” said Mayor Bowser. “We know that when we invest in maternal health, we are investing in stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future for our city.” 

The funding will support the District’s efforts to align and improve maternal health programs by addressing equity, quality, and whole-person care during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. DC is one of 15 state Medicaid agencies selected to implement innovative payment and care delivery strategies, tackling critical maternal health challenges. The initiative’s goals include:

• Improving the experience of care for pregnant individuals. 
• Reducing low-risk cesarean deliveries. 
• Enhancing screening for maternal depression and ensuring follow-up care. 
• Reducing severe obstetric complications. 
• Ensuring timely prenatal and postpartum care. 

Over the next decade, the District will utilize the funding for planning, implementation, and sustainability efforts. In the first two years, up to $3 million will support planning, including collaboration with providers to design and analyze program components. By the third year, implementation will begin, with up to $5 million allocated to strengthen patient safety, expand access to care, integrate data systems, and support community-based health services. In the fourth year, the District will launch a pay-for-performance maternal health program, followed by the rollout of a value-based payment model in year five. The final phase, spanning years six through ten, will focus on sustaining programs and retaining staff to ensure lasting impacts.

This District will also work to integrate and strengthen its existing maternal health services under the new Transforming Maternal Health framework. This includes enhancing doula services, improving access to behavioral health screenings, and expanding patient safety initiatives. By creating a more cohesive and comprehensive system of care, the District aims to eliminate gaps and ensure consistent, equitable support for all mothers and families.

“The Transforming Maternal Health initiative funding allows us to strengthen maternal health programs by reducing silos and focusing on comprehensive, integrated care,” said Melisa Byrd, Senior Deputy Director/Medicaid Director, DC Department of Health Care Finance. “We can expand initiatives like midwifery services, doula services, and behavioral health support, ensuring more mothers receive timely, equitable care.” 

The Transforming Maternal Health initiative is a critical step forward in the District’s ongoing commitment to maternal health equity. By investing in innovative care models, strengthening provider support, and addressing the social factors that impact health, DC is working to ensure that every mother receives the care and resources she needs to thrive.

View information on the announcement and the Transforming Maternal Health model here.
 

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