The state of Kansas has received a significant boost in its efforts to improve maternal healthcare with the allocation of approximately $17 million. Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that Kansas has been selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as one of 15 states to participate in the Transforming Maternal Health Model program. This initiative, spanning over a decade, aims to enhance maternal and child healthcare for Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program beneficiaries. The grant will support various initiatives aimed at reducing disparities in healthcare access and improving overall outcomes for mothers and children across the state.
With this substantial financial support, Kansas plans to implement a comprehensive approach to maternal care. The funding will bolster ongoing efforts initiated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) through its Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health programs. One of the key objectives is to develop a holistic model of care that addresses the entire spectrum of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum needs. Secretary Janet Stanek of KDHE highlighted that the state has already made notable progress in maternal health improvements. The new grant positions Kansas to further these advancements by focusing on three main pillars: enhancing access to care, infrastructure, and workforce capacity; improving quality and safety; and delivering whole-person care.
The TMaH Model will also prioritize hospital engagement for birthing-friendly designations. Collaborative efforts between KDHE, the Kansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative, and the Kansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee will aim to educate facilities and help them achieve CMS’s birthing-friendly status. This alignment with key initiatives seeks to address barriers and increase the quality of services and patient safety. Additionally, the model will enhance telehealth services to overcome geographic challenges, ensuring better access to specialists and reducing travel burdens. Telemonitoring for conditions like hypertension and gestational diabetes will be implemented, along with expanding covered services under Medicaid.
Furthermore, the grant will support the expansion of home visiting programs, addressing funding gaps and improving outcomes in pregnancy, parenting, and early childhood health. These programs will adopt a strength-based approach to ensure sustainable and high-quality care. Deputy Secretary Christine Osterlund emphasized that stakeholder input and partnerships played a crucial role in securing this grant, reflecting a clear vision for improving maternal and child health outcomes in Kansas.
This transformative investment underscores the state's commitment to addressing healthcare disparities among underserved populations who are at higher risk for poor maternal outcomes. The implementation of these initiatives promises to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for all Kansans, particularly those in need of maternal and child health services.