Maternal mortality rates are rising in the U.S., particularly among Black and Native American women, who are two to four times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications. State Medicaid programs, which cover 45 percent of all U.S. births and 66 percent of births to Black mothers, can play a critical role in improving maternal health outcomes. To advance comprehensive approaches to maternal health, stakeholders at national, state, and community levels must first understand the state policy landscape supporting or hindering this vital work.

The Center for Health Care Strategies, in partnership with the Institute for Medicaid Innovation and with support from The Commonwealth Fund, analyzed state maternal health policies and created a dataset and interactive maps of state maternal health policies that support high-value care. The resources provide information on Medicaid and public health policies and programs to improve maternal health outcomes across 50 states and Washington, D.C. The policies are organized into three areas: (1) coverage and benefits; (2) care delivery transformation; and (3) data and oversight.

Medicaid and public health stakeholders can use the maps and companion state policy resources to learn more about high-value approaches to care that offer the potential to reduce gaps in maternal health care quality and improve outcomes. The information can inform more effective state and federal policymaking, research, and care delivery improvements.