CMS Picks 15 States for $17 Million Maternal Health Model
Updated
Updated · MedCity News · Jun 1
CMS Picks 15 States for $17 Million Maternal Health Model
1 articles · Updated · MedCity News · Jun 1
$17 million in federal funding will support 15 states implementing CMS's Transforming Maternal Health model, a 10-year effort aimed at lowering Medicaid and CHIP maternity costs while improving pregnancy and postpartum care.
The model is built around a whole-person approach, targeting physical, mental and social needs during pregnancy, childbirth and the year after delivery.
Speakers at Skygen's Transform Summit argued oral health is a major gap the program could help address, citing research that pregnant women with gum disease are 3-4 times more likely to develop pre-eclampsia.
MySwaddle, a maternal care-coordination app aligned with the initiative, said 86% of pregnant Medicaid women report dental problems but only 35% seek treatment, leaving preventable ER visits that average about $1,500 each.
The broader pitch to state-contracted health plans is that better engagement on overlooked risks such as dental care could avert costly complications, including premature births and NICU stays that can exceed 10 times a full-term delivery.
With federal funds now flowing, what are the biggest hurdles facing the new TMaH maternal health model?
Beyond tech and funding, what global strategies can effectively combat America's rising maternal mortality rates?
Can tech solve the maternal care crisis if women live in 'maternity deserts' without doctors?
Transforming Maternal Health: Inside CMS’s $272 Million, 10-Year TMaH Model to Reduce U.S. Maternal Mortality and Disparities
Overview
Launched by CMS in January 2025, the Transforming Maternal Health (TMaH) Model is a major federal initiative to address the U.S. maternal health crisis. Sixteen states and jurisdictions were selected to participate after a competitive application process. The model focuses on reducing high maternal mortality rates and health disparities, especially among Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries. State Medicaid agencies lead the implementation, working with partners like hospitals and community organizations. With up to $17 million in funding per state, the TMaH Model aims to improve access, quality, and equity in maternity care through a decade-long, phased approach that includes both planning and active program delivery.