UnitedHealthcare Community & State is committed to supporting individuals throughout their maternal health journey, from before pregnancy to after childbirth. The organization's goal is to improve both the pregnant individual and child's health outcomes by increasing access to care, considering whole-person health, and reducing health disparities. This commitment is manifested through a suite of digital tools, educational resources, and incentive-based programs designed to provide comprehensive support. For UnitedHealthcare members, particularly those enrolled in Community Plans (often serving Medicaid populations), these resources are available at no additional cost and are structured to provide information and practical assistance throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The available support is designed to be accessible and inclusive, catering to all mothers regardless of the specifics of their pregnancy journey. The resources aim to answer common questions and provide guidance on what to expect during pregnancy, how to maintain health before, during, and after pregnancy, and ways to manage health through the postpartum period. The programs emphasize increasing access to care and improving health outcomes by providing members with the tools they need to engage with their healthcare providers and make informed decisions about their health and the health of their child.
Accessing Maternity Support Resources
For UnitedHealthcare members, the primary gateway to maternity support is through their online member account. Members can sign in to access a variety of tools, including maternity video courses. These courses are designed to educate expectant parents on what to expect during each trimester of pregnancy. The educational content extends beyond pregnancy, offering tips on nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, and postpartum care. This digital-first approach allows members to access information and support at any time, fitting their schedules and needs.
For individuals enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, additional specific pathways exist to access support and potential incentives. Members can visit the dedicated website uhchealthyfirststeps.com or call the provided phone number, 1-800-599-5985, during specified business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time). Through these channels, members can inquire about their eligibility to earn rewards for attending scheduled prenatal, postpartum, and children's wellness appointments. This incentive program is a key component of the support system, designed to encourage consistent engagement with healthcare services, which is critical for positive health outcomes.
Healthy First Steps and Member Rewards
A significant element of the support program for UnitedHealthcare Community Plan members is called "Healthy First Steps." This program is mentioned as offering member rewards for attending scheduled doctor appointments. The specific states where these rewards are available are not detailed in the provided documentation, but the program is presented as a valuable benefit for members seeking to maximize their healthcare engagement. The rewards are intended to incentivize attendance at critical appointments, including prenatal visits, postpartum check-ups, and well-child visits, which are essential for monitoring the health of both mother and child throughout the early stages of life.
The process for learning about eligibility for these rewards involves contacting UnitedHealthcare directly via the phone number or website provided for Community Plan members. This direct line of communication ensures that members can receive personalized information about the availability of the rewards program in their specific state and understand any requirements for participation. The documentation notes that incentive amounts may change at any time, so members are advised to seek the most current information directly from UnitedHealthcare.
Provider-Facing Tools and Support
The support system extends beyond the member experience to include tools for healthcare providers who serve UnitedHealthcare Community Plan members. Providers play a crucial role in the health of new or expectant mothers and their newborns. UnitedHealthcare offers no-cost tools and programs to help providers support members so they can focus on healthy pregnancy outcomes.
A key tool for providers is "Care Conductor," the pregnancy notification tool available in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal. Providers use this tool to notify UnitedHealthcare of a UnitedHealthcare Community Plan member's pregnancy. Once a pregnancy is notified through the tool, providers are required to complete and submit the Obstetrical Risk Assessment Form (OBRAF). This form helps identify risk factors for pregnant and new mothers, allowing for the implementation of appropriate care and support plans. This process is a fundamental part of managing care and ensuring that members receive timely interventions based on their specific risk profiles.
Community and Peer Support: Wellhop
Recognizing the importance of social and emotional support during pregnancy and beyond, UnitedHealthcare Community & State also facilitates a peer support program called "Wellhop." This program brings mothers together to support each other through pregnancy and beyond. The interactions occur online through group video conversations with other birthing parents. Wellhop provides a platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and advice, creating a sense of community among expectant and new parents. This peer-to-peer support can be a valuable complement to the clinical and educational resources provided by UnitedHealthcare.
Important Considerations and Program Specifics
It is important to note that the availability and specifics of certain programs, such as the notification of pregnancy care provider incentive programs, are specified to be available in only some states. The documentation indicates that for additional information about these incentives and any requirements, individuals should contact their clinical practice consultant. This highlights the state-specific nature of many benefits within the UnitedHealthcare Community & State framework, as Medicaid programs and their associated benefits can vary by state.
Furthermore, the documentation includes a trademark notice for HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set), which is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). While HEDIS is mentioned, the specific application within the context of the maternal support programs is not detailed in the provided chunks. The mention suggests that quality measurement may be part of the overall framework for evaluating and improving maternal health outcomes, but the exact connection is not elaborated upon in the available source material.
Conclusion
UnitedHealthcare Community & State offers a structured and multi-faceted approach to maternal health support. For members, the primary benefits include digital educational resources through video courses, access to peer support via Wellhop, and the potential to earn rewards through the Healthy First Steps program for attending key healthcare appointments. For providers, tools like Care Conductor and the OBRAF facilitate pregnancy notification and risk assessment, enabling better-coordinated care. The programs are designed to be inclusive and are available at no cost to eligible members. However, the availability of specific incentives and programs may be state-dependent, and members or providers seeking detailed information are directed to contact UnitedHealthcare directly or visit specific web portals for the most accurate and current details. The overall aim of these resources is to increase access to care, provide comprehensive support, and ultimately improve health outcomes for both mother and child.