Illinois will receive $17 million over the next 10 years to support a new Medicaid model to improve maternal health outcomes. [Health News Illinois]

Illinois was one of 15 states to receive approval Monday from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop and pilot a comprehensive, integrated approach to physical and mental health, as well as social needs for people during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care.

The Department of Healthcare and Family Services said in a statement the project will be piloted in the Aurora and Rockford communities, which include a mix of rural, suburban and urban populations and “persistent disparities” in maternal health and birth outcomes.

The project has a three-year pre-implementation period and a seven-year implementation period. HFS will work with providers and community-based organizations to implement it.

“We are honored to be chosen to participate in this new, innovative model, which will allow us to focus directly on improving maternal and child health outcomes in two underserved areas of the state,” said HFS Acting Director Lizzy Whitehorn. “This support will go a long way to promoting equitable access to healthcare for families at a very critical time — during pregnancy, through childbirth and during the postpartum period.”

The agency said most of the funds will be invested in provider infrastructure. The money will help to develop a value-based alternative payment model for maternity care services. 

The effort aims to increase access to midwives, doulas, lactation consultants and perinatal community health workers. It will target improving prenatal care for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, reducing complicated procedures like C-sections for low-risk birthing persons and lowering rates of postpartum depression and anxiety.

Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said they will support the initiative. It builds on Gov JB Pritzker’s administration’s goal to improve Illinois’ maternal health outcomes. 

“​​This latest effort by HFS to improve maternal health is another example of Illinois finding innovative solutions to improving the physical, mental and social care of our residents,” Vohra said

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