A Look at Swedish Maternity Care with Medicaid in Mind
November 28, 2023
Health Management Associates (HMA) collaborates with state and federal agencies, health service providers, and community-based organizations to enhance access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and address disparities in birth outcomes, particularly in the context of Medicaid. This involves evaluating and supporting the implementation of perinatal care models, addressing health determinants affecting birth outcomes, and overcoming barriers to reproductive health services. In an effort to inform these initiatives, Diana Rodin, an associate principal at HMA interviewed Swedish experts to understand the country’s universal, publicly funded maternity and reproductive healthcare system. The Swedish model emphasizes universal healthcare, generous socioeconomic supports, and collaborative team-based perinatal care led by midwives. Lessons from Sweden, such as the utilization of “kulturdoulas” for culturally aligned support, a consensus-driven decision-making approach, and a centralized perinatal data system, provide valuable insights for improving birth outcomes for Medicaid recipients in the United States.
