START SMART FOR YOUR BABY®
Date: 07/26/22
The Start Smart for Your Baby (SSFB) evidence-based program incorporates prenatal and postpartum care to boost member outreach using health education materials, intensive care management, provider collaboration, and support for appropriate member medical resources. The program aims to extend the gestational period, reduce premature deliveries, and mitigate pregnancy complications, low birth weight, and infant disease risks. Start Smart for Your Baby Video
Strategy
Timely identification of pregnant members and their risk factors is the solution to better birth outcomes. The risk stratification helps better recognize pregnant members at risk for having babies with adverse birth outcomes with the goal of early prenatal engagement in the SSFB program. Early intervention and supportive care management can improve maternal and infant health.
An essential component of the program is the Notification of Pregnancy (NOP), which identifies pregnant members and their risk factors early in pregnancy to establish a relationship between the member, provider, and highly trained health plan staff. Once an NOP is complete, a member is visible and identified if they are high risk. High-risk members are enrolled and assigned to the SSFB program, which includes clinical guidance throughout pregnancy, transportation to appointments, depression screening, and one-to-one intervention screenings.
Providers can complete the NOP online and submit it on behalf of pregnant members. Meridian Medicaid Plan, YouthCare, and Ambetter members can also log in through each plan’s secure member portal to complete the form.