Medicaid Reimbursement for Maternal Depression Screening and Care for Postpartum Depression

The findings of this cohort study suggest that Medicaid reimbursement for PPD screening during well-child visits may increase rates of detection, postpartum mood or anxiety disorder diagnoses, and outpatient treatment among mothers in the postpartum year. Insurance reimbursement for PPD screenings during well-child visits appears to be a promising policy strategy; however, additional interventions may be needed to address barriers to conducting screenings and referrals in pediatric settings and accessing postpartum mental health treatment.