May 24, 2023 (SOMERVILLE, MA) – Mass General Brigham Health Plan today announced the launch of a comprehensive women’s health portfolio that will address the specific healthcare needs of women by expanding access to appropriate care and support, while advancing health equity.
The broad-based set of solutions across the full spectrum of women’s health issues – from pregnancy to post-partum support to menopause – responds to needs identified by science-based research, market demand, and feedback from Mass General Brigham Health Plan members.
“Women’s health needs are unique and require unique solutions designed around them,” said Steve Tringale, President, Mass General Brigham Health Plan. “The women’s health portfolio is consistent with our strategy to put members at the center of their healthcare and our historical commitment to supporting under-represented health needs and communities.”
The women’s health portfolio is data-driven and made available through convenient, digital platforms that provide resources, self-guided support, and connections with experts and virtual communities. Through these solutions, eligible commercial members have unlimited access to healthcare professionals and advocates. Subjects addressed by the initiative comprise maternal health (including pregnancy, postpartum, loss support and neonatal care), menopause, and mental health.
Announced today as part of the portfolio is a new program that offers on-demand, 24/7 support for maternal health needs, including pregnancy, postpartum, and loss. Data shows that improving maternal and newborn health is especially important to reducing health disparities. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the maternal mortality rate is three times higher for Black patients than white patients.
Other programs in the portfolio include an initiative on menopause, which affects 50 million women nationally. In addition to physical effects, menopause can come with career and economic impacts – which are more severe for women of color – as well as stigma and secrecy. As an example, one in five U.S. employees have left or considered leaving a job due to menopause symptoms. Eighteen percent of women avoided a promotion while undergoing menopause – a number that rises to 24 percent for Black women.
“Our approaches to meeting a variety of under-addressed women’s health needs acknowledges that women’s health extends beyond maternal health alone,” said Lindsay Jubelt, MD, MS, Chief Population Health Officer, Mass General Brigham, and Chief Medical Officer, Mass General Brigham Health Plan. “We are offering innovative programs that meet women wherever they are at different stages of life to break down barriers and connect them to critical resources and community support.”
The women’s health portfolio builds on multi-million-dollar investments that have already been made by Mass General Brigham in community and maternal health. This commitment is reflected in the system’s United Against Racism initiative, which is designed to reduce health disparities through population health approaches that address mental and physical health, and social well-being.
About Mass General Brigham Health Plan
Mass General Brigham Health Plan serves commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid members. For over 35 years, Mass General Brigham Health Plan has been committed to delivering an exceptional member experience. As a member of Mass General Brigham, we are advancing innovative solutions through value-based care models that center on the health needs of our members and enable seamless and affordable care.
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