*New* Maternal & Newborn Indicators
In South Carolina, the rate of births covered by Medicaid is 60%, which is 50% higher than the national average. SC Medicaid plays a critical role in providing access to maternal and newborn health services among low-income women. Tracking the percentage of births paid for by Medicaid as well as the percentage of births among the uninsured is essential for understanding the scale of health services that low-income women and newborns need in a particular area and for planning and allocating resources effectively. By monitoring the maternal and child indicators highlighted in the SC County Profiles, healthcare providers and policymakers can make data-driven decisions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
It is important to view these measures in conjunction with socio-economic status, racial disparities, and geographical differences to allow for a holistic understanding of maternal and newborn health to help identify trends, gaps, and areas of concern more accurately. Regular monitoring of these measures can also help highlight areas where the state is doing well or areas that may benefit from targeted policies and interventions. IFS is dedicated to finding ways to understand the complete picture of maternal and newborn health and to make policies and programs in SC more responsive to the needs of low-income women and children.