Maternal mental health (Mmh) is a critical aspect of overall well-being for both mothers and their families. This article examines a 2024 report card analyzing state-level efforts to address MMH in the United States, highlighting progress and areas needing improvement.
In the U.S., healthcare systems and outcomes are largely managed at the state level. Recognizing this, the Policy Center introduced a report card system in 2023 to track key MMH data and measure progress in each state. The 2024 report provides an updated assessment of these efforts. Nationally, there’s been a slight improvement, moving from a D to a D+, indicating that while progress is being made, significant challenges remain.
Measuring Progress in MMH
The 2024 report card incorporates key changes to its measurement methodology to provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of state-level MMH initiatives:
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New Measures: Three crucial metrics were added:
- HEDIS prenatal depression screening rate exceeding 10% (for commercial insurance and/or Medicaid).
- HEDIS postpartum depression screening rate exceeding 10% (for commercial insurance and/or Medicaid).
- Presence of a Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PQC) prioritizing MMH within the state.
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Replaced Measure: The “OBs required to screen for MMH” measure, which focused on mandates for obstetric provider screenings, was replaced by the two HEDIS screening measures. While the HEDIS measures offer broader data from health insurers, they don’t exclusively track OB screening rates and aren’t yet mandatory for accredited insurers.
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Paused Measure: The “Medicaid reimburses OBs for MMH screening” measure was temporarily suspended due to data availability issues. The Policy Center plans to develop and maintain this dataset independently in the future.
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Supplemented Measures: Existing measures were further enhanced to provide a more nuanced understanding of state performance. More information regarding the specific measures and the methodology used can be found on the Policy Center’s website. (policycentermmh.org/2024-state-report-cards-methodology/)
Analyzing State Performance on MMH
The 2024 report reveals that 34 states improved their grades compared to 2023. Four states achieved a B grade, a significant increase from just one state in 2023, demonstrating substantial progress in addressing MMH. However, five states still received failing grades, underscoring the urgent need for continued efforts in these areas.
Here’s a summary of the grade distribution:
| STATES | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| B grades | 1 state (CA) | 4 states |
| C grades | 10 states | 19 states |
| D grades | 25 states | 24 states |
| F grades | 15 states | 5 states(AL,AR,NV,SD,MS) |
Detailed state-by-state changes, outlining specific improvements and areas where progress lagged, are provided in the full report. These details highlight the diverse approaches states are taking to improve MMH and offer valuable insights for future efforts. Factors contributing to grade changes include:
- Implementation of extended postpartum Medicaid coverage
- Increased MMH screening and treatment claims submitted to both private and public insurers.
- The establishment of task forces and collaborative initiatives dedicated to MMH.
- Expansion of community-based organizations providing MMH services.
Conclusion: The Future of MMH
While the national grade improvement to a D+ signifies positive momentum in addressing MMH, the 2024 report card emphasizes the ongoing need for comprehensive strategies and sustained investment in maternal mental healthcare. The disparity in state performance highlights the importance of tailored approaches that address specific regional challenges and leverage local resources. Continued efforts to expand access to MMH services, improve screening rates, and integrate MMH into broader healthcare systems are crucial to ensuring the well-being of mothers and families nationwide. The full report, including detailed state grades and methodology, can be accessed at policycentermmh.org/state-report-cards/.
