Support High-Risk Maternity Members with Digital Care Management

The U.S. maternal health system faces a troubling crisis: Disparities in maternal health outcomes disproportionately affect Black, American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI) women. Structural racism, implicit biases, and systemic barriers in healthcare can make it challenging for women of color to access the health support and information they need. Plus, Black, AIAN, and NHPI women are less likely to receive timely—or any—prenatal care than white women.

This lack of prenatal healthcare support heightens risks for both parents and infants. For example, 50,000-60,000 women experience severe maternal morbidity every year. But Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related conditions than their white counterparts.

The scope of severe maternal morbidity goes beyond pregnancy and birth. Common prenatal risks include conditions such as hypertension, depression, and preeclampsia, while postpartum risks include hemorrhaging, postpartum depression, and heart failure. Though many of these conditions and outcomes are preventable, pregnant members must have access to timely and comprehensive care.

Digital care management solutions can help your health plan support high-risk maternity members, improve clinical outcomes, and lower long-term care costs.

Maternal care transformation through digital engagement

Effective member engagement is critical for addressing maternal morbidity. Many members don’t fully understand their coverage or the importance of regular and proactive care. Digital care management tools empower high-risk maternity members to engage with their health plans, while giving them access to a dedicated care team, health education resources, and personalized support.

A digital care program integrates mobile technology, health education, two-way communication, and digital surveys to engage members, manage care plans, and uncover gaps in care. Wellframe’s Digital Care Management platform equips care teams with the tools they need to support members holistically and efficiently.

Key features of the platform include:

• HIPAA-compliant two-way chat for members to reach their care teams.
• Daily personalized checklists and medication reminders.
• On-demand access to short and easy-to-understand educational materials.
• Alerts and dashboards to help care teams prioritize high-risk members.

Wellframe’s “Maternal Wellness” program at work

Recognizing the unique needs of high-risk populations, Wellframe’s new care program, “Maternal Wellness for Black Women,” is specifically designed to support pregnant Black women through health education and advocacy.

Members enrolled in the Maternal Wellness program had higher rates of prenatal visits than non-users—a key determinant of positive clinical outcomes. Enrolled members also saw lower emergency room utilization in the third trimester than other members. In addition to improving clinical outcomes, digital engagement tools can also enhance member satisfaction. Payers using Wellframe digital engagement achieved an 8% increase in HEDIS Prenatal and Postpartum Care (PPC) outcomes.[NB1]

The program is available through a mobile app and provides enrolled members with ongoing access to their care teams and other resources. Health resources include articles on topics like prenatal care, health warning signs, how to effectively talk to providers, and more. With digital care programs, members can also set custom reminders for medications, appointments, and healthy habits to stay on track with their health goals.

5 Practical Steps For Improving Maternal Health

What should health plans look for when it comes to a comprehensive digital care program for high-risk maternity members?

1. Leverage data to drive interventions

Use digital engagement platforms to surface insights about members’ behavioral, clinical, and social needs through features like two-way chat and digital surveys. This will enable care teams to act proactively rather than reactively.

2. Engage high-risk members where they are

Invest in integrated digital tools that streamline data sharing and communication. Wellframe’s HIPAA-compliant chat makes it easy for members to stay connected with their care teams without the logistical barriers of traditional healthcare settings. And care teams can export and share data across clinical platforms.

3. Prioritize holistic, personalized care

Address non-clinical barriers such as food security, transportation, and mental health resources within your digital care platforms. Building trust with members creates a strong foundation for engagement, as well as improve outcomes and lower long-term care costs.

4. Identify and close gaps in care

Regular monitoring and communication through digital solutions ensures members are routinely prompted to complete key health milestones, from checking off medication reminders to step tracking and blood pressure monitoring.

5. Deliver culturally relevant member outreach

Use culturally appropriate, multilingual educational materials to create an inclusive experience for members of diverse backgrounds. Wellframe offers multilingual content in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole.

Beyond the Numbers

Outcomes like higher prenatal visit rates and reduced ER utilization don’t just lead to financial savings—they represent better, safer experiences for mothers and their babies. By leveraging integrated Digital Care Management solutions like Wellframe, your health plan is doing more than investing in healthcare innovation—you’re addressing deep-rooted inequities in maternal health.

If your health plan is ready to revolutionize the way you support maternity populations, discover how Wellframe can improve outcomes not just for your members but for the healthcare system as a whole. Learn More.