The MHA recently submitted comments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in support of the proposal to expand Medicaid coverage for maternal mental health screenings up to 12 months postpartum.
Postpartum depression affects one in eight individuals, with symptoms often appearing months after childbirth. At nine to 10 months postpartum, 7.2% of individuals report depressive symptoms, many for the first time, highlighting the need for extended screening.
The MHA noted the importance of using validated tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and aligning with recommendations from national medical organizations will help identify and treat more cases of postpartum depression. Extending coverage will close care gaps, improve outcomes for families and strengthen maternal and infant health statewide.
Members with questions may contact Lenise Freeman at the MHA.
Disclaimer: This grant is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $8.625 million, with 100% funding provided by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS/HHS or the U.S. Government.
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