Reaching Women Who Need Prenatal Care : Executive Summary and Reader's Guide
Author: Hill, Ian T.
Date Published: 1988
The positive effects of early and comprehensive prenatal care are well known; increased use contributes directly to reduced incidence of infant mortality and babies born at low birth weight. Yet, the barriers poor pregnant women and children in this country face in their pursuit of health care services can be monumental. Lack of financials access to care constitutes one of the most critical problems facing these groups. However, a significant step toward enhancing coverage was taken when, acting on the recommendations of the nation's Governors, Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (OBRA-86). This law allows states to raise income eligibility thresholds for pregnant women and their young children as high as the federal poverty level. States have responded to this flexibility at an encouraging fast rate. By April 1988, a full thirty-three states had expanded coverage for these critical populations. While such developments are both critical and promising, they are only a first step toward addressing the barriers women and children face. Increasing income eligibility levels for pregnant women does not guarantee that potential eligible children will be made aware of their opportunity for and the importance of early and effective prenatal care. Similarly, for women who do come forth to apply for aid, a simple broadening of income levels does not ensure that eligibility determination systems are easily accessible and conducted smoothly, efficiently, and in a way that permits the timely processing of maternity-related applications.
Date Published: 1988
The positive effects of early and comprehensive prenatal care are well known; increased use contributes directly to reduced incidence of infant mortality and babies born at low birth weight. Yet, the barriers poor pregnant women and children in this country face in their pursuit of health care services can be monumental. Lack of financials access to care constitutes one of the most critical problems facing these groups. However, a significant step toward enhancing coverage was taken when, acting on the recommendations of the nation's Governors, Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (OBRA-86). This law allows states to raise income eligibility thresholds for pregnant women and their young children as high as the federal poverty level. States have responded to this flexibility at an encouraging fast rate. By April 1988, a full thirty-three states had expanded coverage for these critical populations. While such developments are both critical and promising, they are only a first step toward addressing the barriers women and children face. Increasing income eligibility levels for pregnant women does not guarantee that potential eligible children will be made aware of their opportunity for and the importance of early and effective prenatal care. Similarly, for women who do come forth to apply for aid, a simple broadening of income levels does not ensure that eligibility determination systems are easily accessible and conducted smoothly, efficiently, and in a way that permits the timely processing of maternity-related applications.
