Pennsylvania (2nd Cohort)
About the Team
The Pennsylvania team is composed of:
- Geisinger Health Plan
- Geisinger Women and Children’s Institute
- Healthy Start, Inc.
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), The Office of Medical Assistance Programs
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Community Care Behavioral Health Organization
- UPMC for You
- UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital
The PA2 team is addressing perinatal health inequities faced by racial and ethnically minoritized birthing individuals in Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, racial inequities in perinatal mortality and morbidity are significant, and the state governor has identified maternal and child health as a priority area. According to a recent report from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the state’s pregnancy-associated mortality rate for Black birthing individuals was almost double the overall mortality rate of birthing individuals in 2021.
Designing and Implementing Change
The team is currently compiling a framework for addressing perinatal health inequities through a perinatal episodes-of-care model based on learnings and challenges encountered by payers and providers. The framework will provide general guidance for payers and providers in Pennsylvania implementing a value-based approach to address perinatal health equity. The framework will also include recommendations to support the development of tailored, equity-centered interventions for specific regions and communities.
The team is specifically interested in supporting small provider practices outside of metropolitan areas, which are often underrepresented or not included in equity building efforts. It is exploring payment design strategies that support building equity infrastructure and incentivize provider partnership.