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Expanding Women’s Health Services at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is enhancing access to women’s health services by introducing new care options that include a comprehensive doula program, part of an expanded collaboration initiative.
The organization has initiated a pilot program with Accompany Doula Care aimed at tackling racial disparities and improving maternal and birthing care across Massachusetts. This initiative offers eligible members the opportunity to work with a birth doula, which, according to Blue Cross, can lead to significant reductions in cesarean sections and premature births, while also improving overall health outcomes.
According to the most recent Health Equity Report from Blue Cross, Black women are disproportionately impacted by severe maternal complications. They experience a higher rate of childbirths involving potentially life-threatening conditions compared to other demographic groups.
Under the terms of this pilot program, pregnant members from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds will receive doula services from Accompany Doula Care. These services include personalized prenatal visits with ongoing communication and education, in-person support during labor, and postpartum follow-ups. Blue Cross plans to gather feedback and data as the pilot progresses to measure its effectiveness.
Impact of New Initiatives
Blue Cross has also announced that Maven Clinic’s Menopause and Midlife Health program is now accessible at no cost for fully-insured accounts with 51 or more members and available as an optional addition for self-insured accounts. Earlier this year, Blue Cross unveiled its collaboration with Maven to offer various programs focused on reproductive health.
Additionally, Blue Cross is partnering with Cleo to introduce a family care platform designed to assist parents and caregivers. This service will be available as an optional upgrade for select employer clients starting from January 1, 2025, offering one-on-one personalized support, expert advice, and essential resources.
Other women’s health initiatives recently highlighted by Blue Cross include an internal support group named “Beyond the Pause,” providing a safe space for discussing menopause with an in-house OB-GYN and nurse practitioner. Furthermore, both in-person and virtual sessions with the Reproductive Health Care Team, in collaboration with Maven Clinic, are available for employees to explore menopause support and care options.
Employees also have access to a range of Maven Clinic programs, covering support for adoption, surrogacy, IUI, IVF, male fertility, egg and sperm freezing, pregnancy, postpartum assistance, return-to-work coaching, and resources focused on perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause, and midlife support for men.
Broader Trends in Women’s Health Support
This summer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts expressed its commitment to enhancing support for LGBTQIA+ members through a gender-affirming care program in partnership with virtual healthcare provider FOLX Health. This initiative aims to assist members in locating care and services tailored to their needs during specific reproductive health milestones, positioning Blue Cross among one of the first health plans in the country with an integrated clinical team dedicated to gender-affirming care.
Many members of Blue Cross now have access to FOLX Health, a virtual provider specializing in LGBTQIA+ health, offering various services, including gender-affirming care, primary care, mental health services, and fertility support.
Message from Leadership
Dr. Monica Ruehli, Blue Cross’ clinical director of reproductive health and gender-affirming services, emphasized, “We aim to ensure our members feel supported and cared for throughout every stage of their health journey, from adolescence through maternity, postpartum, and menopause. We take pride in our initiatives that support both employees and members, demonstrating our commitment to addressing the unique needs of women and families.”
