Perinatal Advisory Task Force
Task Force Members
Task Force Meetings
Background
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is committed to providing optimal health care for mothers and newborns. To further this commitment, the OHCA initiated a partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) to develop a statewide Perinatal Advisory Task Force.
This task force, composed of more than 20 agencies and organizations involved with perinatal care, was developed to focus on issues concerning pregnant women covered by SoonerCare or other public health sources for their prenatal care.
The task force serves to provide expertise regarding perinatal health care and to make recommendations regarding systemic modifications that may contribute to improving perinatal outcomes in Oklahoma.
Since its first meeting in May 2005, the OHCA-OSDH Perinatal Advisory Task Force has made several recommendations to the OHCA regarding expansion of their benefits and services to pregnant women. The OHCA has been able to implement many of these recommendations.
Ultrasound Benefits
One of the first changes that occurred in 2006 was expanding ultrasound benefits to include an ultrasound in the first trimester (in addition to one after the first trimester) and providing for additional high-risk follow-up ultrasounds as needed when performed by a maternal fetal medicine specialist.
Dental Benefits
In May 2007, SoonerCare began providing limited dental care services for pregnant women through the Perinatal Dental Access Program. Pregnant women covered by SoonerCare can now receive dental examinations, radiography, cleanings and fillings during their pregnancy and for up to 60 days after birth/miscarriage.
Prenatal Risk Assessment
Since the summer of 2007, SoonerCare obstetrical care providers now have the opportunity to receive additional reimbursement for assessment of pregnant women for risk factors including psychological/behavioral risks.
High-Risk Care
In December 2007, the OHCA expanded benefits and covered services for SoonerCare members who are pregnant and meet OHCA high-risk pregnancy criteria. Providers of obstetrical care may seek medical authorization for additional reimbursement when caring for medically high-risk pregnant women in consultation with a maternal fetal medicine specialist and for medically necessary fetal non-stress tests, biophysical profiles and additional ultrasounds (in addition to the standard benefit).
Lactation Consultant Services
Pregnant and postpartum SoonerCare members are now eligible to receive individualized care for problem-focused help with breast-feeding. This service does not replace or duplicate basic breast-feeding education or support which is often available in the community through various sources.
Maternal and Infant Health Social Work Services
Pregnant and postpartum SoonerCare members may now receive the professional services of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWS) trained in maternal and infant health. LCSWS can help members with a variety of psychosocial concerns including domestic violence, alcohol and substance use, mental illnesses, lack of basic resources and other major psychosocial conditions.
Genetic Counseling Services
These services are available for pregnant and postpartum SoonerCare members facing potential or diagnosed birth defects.