Getting pregnant soon after giving birth is linked to an increased risk of health complications for both the mother and baby, according to TIME.
A new study published in the journal Contraception suggests that getting an IUD may be an important move for new mothers, which explains why the Specific Medicaid reimbursement for an IUD or implant right after a woman gives birth has gone from being available from zero to 19 states in just three years, according to CBS News.
This development is important as previous research reportedly suggests that between 40 and 60 percent of low-income women who want an IUD or implant never make it to a follow-up office appointment due to issues with childcare, transporation and other barriers. Getting an IUD or implant can also reportedly cost between $800 to $1,000.
“A concerning number of states do not currently cover this service, despite its known effectiveness and cost savings,” the study authors write.
“Efforts to remove reimbursement barriers should focus on clearly communicating to policymakers the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of immediate postpartum LARC in women who desire it.”
Many of the Medicaid agencies that don’t currently provide coverage for this specific service reportedly expressed concern about immediate budget costs and potential health risks. However, the agencies that decided to provide coverage reportedly did so for the health benefit of the mother and child as well as overall cost-savings.
Many patients still have very little information regarding IUDs and implants.
“In the U.S. in general, the adoption of IUDs in particular, in terms of patient knowledge, is very low," explained Dr. Linda Bradley, a gynecologist and Vice Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute at Cleveland Clinic.
“This is a gap that doctors can fill, by telling patients, this is a very safe and very effective method of contraception. These conversations about postpartum contraception should begin at the very first prenatal visit."