The Mississippi Division of Medicaid was awarded funding under the CMS TMaH (Transforming Maternal Health) Model beginning January 2025. The grant is for $17 million and will run for 10 years (2025-2034).
The TMaH model supports participating state Medicaid agencies in the development of a whole-person approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. By addressing the physical, mental health, and social needs experienced during pregnancy, the model aims to improve outcomes and experiences for mothers and babies while also reducing overall expenditures.
According to CMS TMaH’s website, key points of the model are as follows:
Problem: The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income countries which disproportionately impacts Medicaid populations.
Solution: The model supports state Medicaid agencies and holds them accountable to implement evidence-based strategies for expanding access to maternal care, while also integrating behavioral health, social drivers of health, and continuity of care in the postpartum period, including building a bridge between clinical and community-based care.
Outcomes: The model aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, such as reduce rates of low-risk cesarean section (c-section), severe maternal morbidity (SMM), and incidence of low birthweight infants and improve overall care experiences for pregnant women.
Strategy: The model aligns with CMMI strategy to promote preventive care by increasing engagement in prenatal and post-partum care, expanding the perinatal health care team, and screening for and managing co-morbidities, as well as empowering patients by increasing their access to health information through technology and data, telehealth, and home monitoring.
TMaH Model Journey Map
Source: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/tmah-journey-map.pdf
Source: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/tmah-payment-design-fs.pdf
DOM is collaborating with the Mississippi State Department of Health to align TMaH and the OB System of Care with an aim to streamline provider participation commitment by having a single user-friendly reporting process, reducing provider workload and increasing quality time with patients.
Other partners
- Magnolia Health
- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
- Mississippi Public Health Institute (MSPHI)
- Molina Healthcare
- TrueCare
- UMMC Center for Telehealth
Source: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/tmah-payment-design-fs.pdf
According to data.cms.gov, “‘Birthing-Friendly’ is the first-ever CMS designation to describe high-quality maternity care.”
Looking for birthing-friendly providers in Mississippi? Explore your options with the CMS Birthing-Friendly Provider Catalog.
COMING SOON: TMaH partner provider interest link
COMING SOON: Link to Free standing Birth Center Feasibility Information
