Wednesday, February 5, 2025
2/5/2025
The West Virginia Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services is requesting $17,000,000 through a cooperative agreement with the CMS’ TMaH Model to test whether effective implementation of a package of evidence-informed interventions, sustained by a value-based payment model, can improve maternal outcomes, and reduce Medicaid and CHIP program expenditures. The West Virginia Transforming Maternal Health (WV TMaH) Model aims to enhance maternal health outcomes across a targeted 16-county region in southern West Virginia, a region characterized by high rates of Medicaid-covered births and significant health disparities. This initiative aligns with the state’s maternal health policy priorities and seeks to reduce rates of low-risk C-sections, reduce incidences of severe maternal morbidity, reduce rates of low-birthweight infants, improve the experience of perinatal care, and reduce Medicaid and CHIP program expenditures for maternity and infant care. The WV TMaH will leverage a robust network of maternal health partners, including the West Virginia Department of Human Services, the Bureau for Medical Services, and the Bureau for Public Health, to implement evidence-based strategies that promote access to care, improve the quality of maternal health services, and reduce health disparities. Key components of the model are to create new value-based payment models that increase access to midwifery services, expand the availability of birth centers, integrate doula services into maternal care, and enhance data infrastructure for better health outcomes tracking. Through collaborations with managed care organizations and community-based organizations, the WV TMaH will implement a comprehensive approach to maternal health that encompasses risk assessments, screenings, referrals, and follow-up care. The model will also focus on quality improvement initiatives, including the implementation of AIM Patient Safety Bundles and the promotion of birthing-friendly hospital designations. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Medicaid and CHIP-eligible pregnant individuals in this region, the WV TMaH aims to create a sustainable framework for improving maternal health outcomes, reducing disparities, and ensuring that West Virginians have access to high-quality maternal care.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).