In a move that could transform maternal health care for Medi-Cal recipients, California has secured a spot in a federal program aimed at revamping how prenatal and postnatal care are delivered and funded. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) as one of fifteen states selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to put into action the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model. This initiative is set to channel efforts toward enhancing health outcomes for pregnant individuals on Medi-Cal by shifting payment models to value quality over quantity, as reported by the Governor's Office.
Traditionally, healthcare providers have been compensated based on the volume of services rendered—an approach that has often been criticized for not necessarily correlating to better patient outcomes. Governor Newsom, reflecting on the new initiative, stated, "It is unacceptable that the color of your skin or your income can dictate the level of care you receive when you’re pregnant," as noted by the Governor's Office.
Indeed, the initiative is in line with California’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gaps in healthcare, as underscored by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom who said, “Your chances of surviving pregnancy and childbirth should not be determined by your race, ethnicity, or background. Yet for far too long, Black and Brown women and Medi-Cal members have faced systemic inequities that compromise their health and dignity.” Focusing on five counties in the Central Valley, the program is tailored to the locales that need it the most. Details on the exact nature and deployment of the TMaH Model can be found via the official announcement.
