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Policymakers work to assure that all pregnant women and all women of child-bearing age have access to comprehensive, continuing, appropriate, and acceptable health care (through public or private health insurance coverage or the provision of direct services).
They work to:
- Expand eligibility for and enrollment in health benefits through Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), and other, broader programs
- Minimize barriers to public and private health care coverage through outreach, simplified rules, and other improvements
- Put safety-net policies in place for uninsured individuals and families and the providers serving them
Policymakers and funders create payment structures and other policies that promote effective prenatal care by:
- Supporting training for health care professionals that encourages them to develop strong relationships with high-risk pregnant women
- Allowing presumptive eligibility for insurance when a pregnant women seeks prenatal care
- Recognizing the need for, and funding, non-medical support services such as home visits, social services, and housing assistance
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