PATERSON, N.J. — The type of health insurance a mother has could mean a higher chance of infant mortality.
The focus of a recent study is to examine the varying consequences of childbirth by comparing private insurance and Medicaid.
Dr. David Principe, a specialist in maternal fetal medicine at St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson, expressed the need to unravel the cause behind this occurrence.
For various reasons, Paterson is known for having a significant prevalence of high-risk pregnancies within its community.
Principe mentioned that there are several factors to consider. The first factor is related to the socio-economic status of individuals. The second factor is associated with the availability of prenatal care. Lastly, diet plays a crucial role, including the consumption of processed food, soda, and engagement in unhealthy habits such as smoking and drug use.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), infants born to mothers with private insurance exhibited a significantly lower rate of infant mortality compared to those born to mothers with Medicaid. In fact, the group covered by Medicaid experienced an infant mortality rate that was nearly twice as high.
Doctors say that is no surprise.
Dr. Monique de Four Jones, associate chief of labor and delivery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, explained that the trend seen in mothers is also being observed in babies. She mentioned that some of these patients do not have insurance, which leads them to avoid seeking medical attention. However, when they come in for delivery, they are eligible for emergency Medicaid, which provides coverage for both the mother and the baby. This allows the mother to obtain coverage, and subsequently, the baby receives automatic coverage as well.
Getting expecting mothers access to care earlier is crucial.
According to Principe, the utmost priority is to ensure that women receive prenatal care at the earliest opportunity. Achieving this goal requires the involvement of our elected officials, who must simplify the process of accessing Medicaid for pregnant women to a level comparable to purchasing a pack of gum from a store.
In both New York and New Jersey, numerous uninsured mothers can qualify for Medicaid coverage during their entire pregnancy and for up to one year after giving birth.
- In:
- Medicaid
