Blue Shield of California extends its collaboration with Mahmee, broadening access to comprehensive maternal health services. The expanded initiative, now reaching eight employer groups in key California regions, offers continuous support from diverse experts. Jackie Ejuwa, Blue Shield’s VP, highlights the critical need for improved maternal health, citing disparities. Mahmee’s diverse team focuses on cultural sensitivity, anti-racism, and gender-affirming care, presenting an innovative model addressing maternal health gaps and setting new care standards.
Blue Shield of California has escalated its partnership with Mahmee, solidifying efforts to enhance maternal health standards for its members. This expanded collaboration extends comprehensive maternal health services to eight employer groups across pivotal Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco regions. Mahmee’s platform facilitates seamless access to a diverse team of maternal health experts, ensuring continuous support for members, spanning pregnancy monitoring, childbirth education, and beyond. Jackie Ejuwa, Vice President of Transformation at Blue Shield, underscores the urgent need to address maternal health disparities, particularly concerning cesarean section rates, emphasizing the pivotal role Mahmee plays in offering essential assistance throughout the pregnancy journey.
Blue Shield of California has embarked on an ambitious expansion of its partnership with Mahmee, a move aimed at elevating maternal health standards among its members to new heights.
Having previously collaborated with Mahmee in a pilot program offering comprehensive maternal health services to select members, the insurer intends to broaden this initiative. The expansion will encompass eight employer groups in the Fresno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco regions, as revealed in their recent announcement.
Mahmee’s platform serves as a gateway for members to access a diverse array of maternal health experts. These professionals include doulas, nurses, lactation consultants, mental health coaches, nutritionists, and care coordinators, who are available every day of the week. Through this integrated team, members can avail themselves of support services that span pregnancy monitoring, childbirth education, and more.
Jackie Ejuwa, Blue Shield of California’s Vice President of Transformation, highlighted how maternal health swiftly emerged as a focal point for health equity initiatives. The disparities in maternal health became glaringly evident during their considerations. Ejuwa pointed out that higher cesarean-section delivery rates often correlate with adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants. Within Blue Shield of California’s demographic, the C-section rate for Black mothers stood at 36%, compared to 32% for white mothers and 34% for Hispanic mothers.
Ejuwa emphasized the challenges inherent in navigating pregnancy, underscoring the pivotal role Mahmee plays in providing vital support to individuals.
“The availability of continuous assistance throughout the pregnancy journey holds tremendous importance for them,” Ejuwa remarked.
Mahmee’s doulas play an active role during childbirth, offering support to mothers as they navigate this profound experience. Ejuwa added that lactation support, a program component, garnered positive feedback from participants in the pilot.
“There’s a common misconception that breastfeeding is effortless,” she explained. “People assume that once the baby arrives, it naturally happens. However, many individuals require guidance and assistance with lactation.”
Furthermore, Mahmee’s commitment to deploying a diverse team underscores their dedication to cultural sensitivity, anti-racism, and gender-affirming care—an essential approach to addressing disparities in maternal health.
Melissa Hanna, Mahmee’s Co-founder and CEO, emphasized the pressing need for innovative solutions amidst the existing maternal health crisis. She stated, “Through our collaboration with Blue Shield, we are bridging gaps in maternal health equity and championing a novel care model for families across California.”
The synergy between Blue Shield of California and Mahmee heralds a paradigm shift in maternal health care delivery. This concerted effort reflects a dedication to addressing existing disparities and pioneering a holistic, inclusive, and supportive approach to maternal health, setting a precedent for enhanced care standards.
The collaborative endeavor between Blue Shield of California and Mahmee marks a pivotal stride in revolutionizing maternal health care. This partnership’s emphasis on inclusivity, extensive support, and culturally sensitive approaches addresses critical disparities in maternal health. By setting a precedent for innovative models, it heralds a new era of comprehensive care standards. Through their concerted efforts, they aim to bridge existing gaps and create a supportive, equitable landscape for maternal health care across California and potentially beyond.
