A recent Kaiser Permanente study explores how Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) can play an important role in improving maternal health care and advancing health equity.

Researchers examined Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts to understand how organizations are using quality measures, programs, partnerships, and care coordination to support maternal health. The study highlights how stronger data collection and quality improvement efforts can help identify gaps in care, track progress, and better support patients throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

The findings are especially important as racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes continue across the United States. Black women, in particular, continue to experience disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related complications and deaths. The study points to opportunities for Medicaid programs and health systems to better identify and respond to these disparities.

The research offers useful lessons for public health agencies, Medicaid programs, health care organizations, and community partners working to strengthen maternal health services, improve access to high-quality care, and support healthier outcomes for mothers and families.

Read More: Kaiser Permanente Division of Research