Bill Overview
Title: Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires (1) the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to issue guidance to support coverage of prenatal and postpartum pelvic health services under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), (2) the Government Accountability Office to study gaps in Medicaid coverage of these and other services for postpartum women, and (3) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to educate health professionals and postpartum women on pelvic health services.
Sponsors: Rep. Herrera Beutler, Jaime [R-WA-3]
Target Audience
Population: Postpartum women
Estimated Size: 1500000
- The bill addresses postpartum women, a global population often experiencing physical health challenges following childbirth.
- According to UNICEF data, there are approximately 131 million births globally each year.
- Postpartum encompasses at least the first six weeks post-birth, but postpartum health needs can extend beyond this time, impacting millions of women globally.
- The bill's focus on pelvic health addresses a specific health concern relevant to postpartum care.
- Access to healthcare varies greatly worldwide, with many postpartum women lacking the necessary resources or knowledge about pelvic health issues.
Reasoning
- The target population is relatively large (1.5 million postpartum women in the U.S).
- Given the budget constraints, not all individuals will see a change in wellbeing from year 1, but the policy aims to gradually increase its impact.
- The focus on Medicaid and CHIP means low-income and vulnerable populations are the most likely to benefit.
- Considering the gradual typical implementation of such policies, a significant uptick in impact may take several years.
- Individual's location, access to health services, and personal circumstances (e.g., employment, family support) will mediate their experience of the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Retail worker (Houston, Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is promising but I am concerned about how effective it will actually be in practice.
- I hope it eases my worries about costs related to postpartum care.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Stay-at-home mom (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extra support would be welcome, especially if it reduces my out-of-pocket expenses.
- Education about pelvic health is also much needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Student (New York, New York)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's stress-relieving to know there could be more coverage for postpartum issues.
- As a student, every bit of help matters as I'm balancing expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Unemployed (Kansas City, Missouri)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could really improve my quality of life post-birth.
- I've had issues before, and knowing there's more coverage gives me hope.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Teacher (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any additional Medicaid support for postpartum care is a significant boon.
- Educational efforts could help women understand more about their own health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Part-time farm worker (Rural Idaho)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might sound good but if no new resources come to rural areas, we won't see a difference.
- Transportation to services is a big issue for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Receptionist (Miami, Florida)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The idea sounds positive, but I'd have to see it to believe real impact.
- Currently, my family supports my postpartum health needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Financial analyst (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the bill sounds useful, we have other insurance coverage that is already substantial.
- I think it will help many who lack our additional resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nonprofit organizer (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access and education about postpartum health services are crucial.
- I believe more people would seek help if they knew of these covered services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Graphic designer (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I already have solid access to postpartum resources, so the policy is less relevant to me personally.
- However, more education is always a positive step.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $14000000 (Low: $9000000, High: $19000000)
Year 3: $14000000 (Low: $9000000, High: $19000000)
Year 5: $13000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates consider the administrative and operational expenses associated with implementing new Medicaid and CHIP guidelines.
- Savings are modest due to the focus on informational and preparatory activities rather than direct interventions.
- GDP and tax revenue impacts are anticipated to be minimal and gradual, reflecting the niche health focus.