CT gets a D- for maternal mental health

Connecticut is failing mothers in protecting their mental health, according to the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. We aren’t alone – 28 other states received a D or F on maternal mental health (MMH).  The US overall received a D+ grade.

We got an F on providers and programs – including seven metrics such as ratios of MMH providers to the perinatal population and we don’t have any inpatient MMH treatment programs. We also got an F on screening and reimbursement – including five metrics such as not requiring Medicaid screening for MMH or performing well on HEDIS MMH screening measure. We did get credit because OB providers submit insurance claims for postpartum MMH screening but not for prenatal screening.

The Center reports that maternal mental health disorders, earlier referred to as postpartum depression, is the most common complication of pregnancy. Up to 20% of pregnant and postpartum mothers experience a maternal health disorder, but only 15% of them receive treatment. Up to 56% of pregnant and postpartum people living in poverty experience MMH.

We did better, with a C grade, on insurance coverage and treatment payment. We expanded Medicaid, expanded perinatal care to 12 months postpartum, and other providers submit claims for screenings. However, we lost credit because we don’t require insurers to develop an MMH quality management program.

The Center did cite two bills Connecticut has passed, in 2022 and 2023, supporting MMH.