United States of Care

The maternal health journey continues long after delivery. During #BlackMaternalMentalHealthWeek (and every other week), we are recognizing the mental health disparities that Black women face before, during, and after pregnancy. 👉 Nearly two-thirds of maternal deaths happen during the postpartum period. 👉 40% of women do not attend a postpartum doctor’s visit. Postpartum care is a critical chapter in the maternal health journey, but it is often neglected, leaving women feeling stressed, confused, and alone. It’s even harder for those who are Medicaid-insured, rural residents, or members of other racial minority groups to get this care, as they disproportionately face lower rates of receiving postpartum care. That’s why we are advocating for our partners, health care providers, and members of Congress to address a mother’s mental health needs beyond just 40 weeks. We’re also working to understand the emotional journey of Black mothers, where factors like microaggressions and secondary trauma can harm mental health. Having long-term, accessible postpartum care for women – regardless of insurance, location, or identity – is key to improving maternal health outcomes. In the comments, take a look at our maternal and child health care resource hub, plus an op-ed that highlights the importance of being supported postpartum. ⬇

It’s time for our annual 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝗽 𝗨𝗽: 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 🎬 As inflation and health care affordability dominate the 2024 presidential race, we dive into how state legislatures are responding to these critical issues. Despite the U.S. spending more on health care than peer nations, many families still face high costs and delayed care. This year's state legislative sessions reveal three key trends:  🏥 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 → States are tackling hospital consolidation and high prices through innovative regulations, aiming to protect consumers and ensure hospitals serve their communities effectively. For example, New Mexico and Washington have introduced oversight measures for health care transactions. 🛡️ 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 → States have made significant strides in protecting and broadening health coverage, especially amidst the ACA plan enrollments and Medicaid redeterminations. States like New York and California are pioneering programs to cover immigrant populations and extend postpartum maternal health care. 💡 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 → From public options to Medicaid buy-ins, states are developing flexible, affordable coverage solutions. Colorado and Washington are leading with their public insurance options, showing promising enrollment and cost-saving results. Read more in the comments: #HealthCareReform #PolicyTrends #USofCare

📢 We're #Hiring: Health Policy Data Scientist 📢 United States of Care is seeking a dedicated and innovative Health Policy Data Scientist to join our team! As a Health Policy Data Scientist at USofCare, you will: 🔍 Lead and manage data collection using mixed-method approaches 📊 Develop and maintain a data lake with structured and unstructured data 📈 Build data systems and processes to support our policy and advocacy efforts 🌟 Generate meaningful insights to shape our policy and narrative approaches 💡 Apply responsible and ethical AI frameworks Join us in our mission to ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable health care. If you're a self-starter with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you! The salary range for this position is $120,000-125,000/year depending on experience. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eeHrTCjp

In the aftermath of the recent Braidwood v. Becerra decision, this #NationalHIVTestingDay has a renewed resonance on health care decision makers across the country. Although the new ruling enables 151 million people—including 37 million children—to retain access to free preventive care, our CEO Natalie Davis emphasizes that “the fight to protect access to free preventive services is not over.” To learn more, check out some recent Braidwood news stories in the comments that center our expertise. ⬇ ⬇ ⬇

🔥 NEW #AI in Health Care Polling Research 🔥 According to our survey research (in collaboration with Morning Consult), people are generally skeptical of health care providers using AI, however, their comfort level with AI in health care increases as they become more knowledgeable about or experienced with AI tools themselves. Still, 1 in 4 adults think AI will increase bias in the health care system when it comes to care for people of color, rural populations, people with low-income, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, people with mental health concerns or addiction, and people in certain age groups. Our survey also found that voters want policymakers and Congress to take action to better regulate AI in health care in a variety of ways such as protecting patients' privacy, overseeing AI technology developers, and more. The above is just a glimpse of our findings from our survey focused on the knowledge of and preferences for the use of AI in health care. Take a look at our additional findings in the comments ⬇️

In honor of #ImmigrantHeritageMonth, we call on lawmakers to ensure people’s unique cultural identities are taken into account when they seek and receive health care. Far too often economic and cultural barriers to care inhibit the holistic health of immigrant groups- but the deployment of culturally responsive care can provide an inclusive atmosphere where patients’ cultural beliefs are respected when providing care. Learn more about listening work and policy recommendations on culturally responsive care in the comments ⤵ #HealthEquity

What do people think about the use of #AI in health care? As policymakers look to find the best – and least harmful – ways to integrate AI into the health care system, it’s more important than ever to understand the related hopes and concerns of the general public. In the coming days, we (in collaboration with Morning Consult) will publish our latest polling data that depicts the true feelings of Americans. If interested in a sneak peek at the findings, register for our upcoming virtual press conference scheduled for TOMORROW, Tuesday (6/25) at 10 AM ET. (registration link in the comments) ⬇️

You’re not alone if you’ve ever opened up a hospital bill to find an unexpected charge. It’s most likely that the unexpected charge is a hospital facility fee, which is charged separately from the professional fee and is not attached to the underlying service provided. This occurs following hospital acquisition, when services are delivered in settings that are now hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). Facility fees place an unexpected and unfair financial burden on communities of color, rural communities, and other individuals who already face disproportionate medical debt. Our new report titled “Behind the Bill: The Hidden Injustice of Hospital Facility Fees” provides background into hospital mergers and acquisitions, provider consolidation, and how these decisions affect consumers’ wallets. We’ve also identified five state and federal policy recommendations we believe can improve health equity. Take a look ⤵️

Next Wednesday (June 26), join United States of Care as we facilitate a conversation around the Braidwood v. Becerra case and the potential impacts on employers and patients’ access to critical care. This case, which is currently pending before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, challenges the Affordable Care Act’s mandate that insurers provide preventive services at no cost to consumers, and could jeopardize access to life-saving services for over 150 million Americans. This webinar will demystify the legal history and outlook of the case and break down how advocates and policymakers are responding. This event is open to everyone, so if you’re interested in protecting access to free preventive care for those who depend on it, register below. 🗓 Wednesday, June 26 🕖 10-11 AM PT (1 PM ET/ 12 PM CT/11 AM MT) 🔗 Registration link in the comments