Maternity Ward Closures and Medicaid

In 14 states, the closure of a rural hospital or it’s maternity ward would force Medicaid patients to travel more than an hour for inpatient obstetric care. A new study reveals that the nationwide median drive time between hospitals that provide inpatient Medicaid maternity care is 43 minutes for rural hospitals. It’s just 13 minutes in urban communities. The closure of obstetrics wards could accelerate due to recent changes in healthcare law, leaving some rural communities behind. Our Health Equity advocates for accessible and affordable maternal health care for all Americans, no matter where they live. Read more here.