Deliver more maternity services with Special Delivery and Maven
A deep need exists in Arkansas for improved maternity and postpartum care. In 2023, the March of Dimes gave preterm births in the state an F grade.
That report showed that maternal mortality per 100,000 births in Arkansas is 43.5, nearly double the national maternal mortality rate of 23.5. Out of each 1,000 live births, an average of 8.6 infants do not survive, compared to the national average of 5.4. The state also exceeds the national average in pre-term births, low-risk Cesarean births and inadequate prenatal care.
Heather Cauley, clinical services manager for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, oversees the prenatal pregnancy care management program, Special Delivery. Cauley said the need for improved maternity support in Arkansas is so great, the state and other entities are putting energy into finding solutions to address the gaps in care. “Everywhere you turn, there’s a push for healthier pregnancies,” she said. “We’re a key part of that.”
Since 1995, Special Delivery has walked expectant moms through their pregnancies to help them have the healthiest and most-informed experience possible. Special Delivery is available to all members whose plans include case management but is especially important for high-risk pregnancies.
Special Delivery through special relationships
When a member enrolls, a Special Delivery nurse with extensive background in obstetrics nursing or neonatal intensive care reaches out to them, building a one-on-one relationship that lasts throughout the pregnancy. The nurse case manager offers an open line of communication, becoming someone the pregnant member can contact whenever questions or issues arise.
“Any amount of education or intervention we can provide can help avoid issues and complications,” Cauley said. “Our nurses handle pregnancy education. Besides educating members how to appropriately use their benefits, we help them understand when they need to call the doctor, what to look for, what’s normal, what’s not. We’re arming people ahead of time. And we assist with any case management needs the member has, such as mental health or substance use challenges or social work needs, all while building trusting relationships with members and sharing our expertise.”
She said that while pregnant people often have “nine months of questions,” obstetrics providers are stretched so thin, they may only have five minutes to educate their patient about maternal and fetal health. “We’re here to support the provider’s plan of care for each member while supplementing the education from the clinic with additional information and personalized support.”
When members enroll in Special Delivery, they receive many educational materials, including two acclaimed Mayo Clinic books for expectant moms (Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy and Guide to Baby’s First Year). The program also sends other topical guides, including maternity-focused information on dietary supplements, oral health, folic acid, childhood growth and development, safe sleep, infant feeding, post-birth warning signs, exercise, smoking cessation and other pregnancy resources and materials.
Adding Maven
Now, in addition to Special Delivery, your members can access Maven, a top digital-health program that dives deep into maternal health care management. With no out-of-pocket fees for members, Maven expands the range of services and programs Arkansas Blue Cross can offer. Maven’s Maternity Foundations program is included in all fully insured plans and some individual plans. Self-insured plans can purchase as a buyup Maternity Foundations and additional programs ranging from fertility and family planning services to menopause support.
Members with Special Delivery and Maven can access either or both, though Cauley said she strongly encourages anyone with a high-risk pregnancy to first seek help through Special Delivery.
Like Special Delivery, relationships with expectant mothers and their families drive Maven’s digital-first care. Maven supplements and supports rather than replaces in-person provider visits.
Cauley said Maven focuses on care advocacy; telehealth consultations with providers and professionals who act as coaches and educators; educational materials and video content; and culturally diverse offerings to reach all populations.
Maven’s virtual practitioners help fill gaps in care, recommending next steps for in-person care and providing guidance, support and education between members’ in-person appointments. Maven’s team includes mental health providers, care advocates, midwives, pediatricians and lactation consultants. Cauley said Maven has the most value for members who are interested in engaging digitally and looking for support and services available 24/7.
“We’re excited about bringing Maven on board because they expand and enhance the value we can offer members,” Cauley said. “For example, they even have professionals who will offer members support with returning-to-work after pregnancy, including reviewing their resumés.
“I am proud of our Special Delivery program and now the enhanced maternity support we can offer members through Maven,” she continued. “Our highly experienced nurses make a positive impact each day in the lives of our members. I believe in the value of our program and the education we give them to help make their pregnancies as smooth as possible. At the end of pregnancy, we want to see healthy babies and healthy moms.”
To learn more about Special Delivery, visit these links:
To learn more about Maven, visit these links: