New data about participation in a comprehensive home visiting program for new mothers suggest just how valuable participants are finding the in-person service.
Home visiting for pregnant mothers is an evidence-based practice shown to help women have healthier, safer pregnancies. For Black and other historically marginalized women, who are more likely to experience pregnancy complications, a home visiting program can help address some of the risk factors, including support in managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York have created a high-risk maternity home visiting case management program, partnering with local agencies to deliver services in a mother’s home. Home visitors can also address social determinants of health that might affect a woman’s pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum health, including housing and transportation issues.
Members receiving home visits can work one on one, in person when safe, with specialty-trained nurses who provide personalized education and help coordinate care throughout a mother’s pregnancy and for six months after delivery. Nurses also follow up with a mother’s clinicians about her status and make connections to any specialty services.
According to Highmark BCBS results, in 2021:
- Once engaged in the programs, 99% of home visiting program participants remained enrolled, compared to 26% of those enrolled in a telephonic program
- 65% of home visiting enrollees, compared to only 58% of telephonic enrollees, had their first prenatal visit in the 1st trimester of pregnancy
- 60% of home visiting members had their post-partum visits within six weeks after delivery, compared to 56% of telephonic members
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Western New York and Highmark Blue Shield Northeastern New York is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.