Arizona’s Medicaid program is trying to improve maternity care in rural communities in the state.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, recently distributed $2.5 million for on-call maternity care services at four health centers in Nogales, Yuma, Winslow and Page. AHCCCS reports these communities have little or no maternity care currently available.
Arizona’s rate of maternal mortality is higher than the national average, as is the percentage of Arizonans who don’t get adequate prenatal care, according to 2023 data from the March of Dimes.
Last year, AHCCCS expanded postpartum eligibility so members can qualify for care up to a year after the end of a pregnancy — coverage used to last just 60 days.
The health care system also plans to start covering doula services for members starting this fall.
