EmblemHealth Supports Black Maternal Health for New Yorkers

In response to the disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and complications related to maternal health among Black women, EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health insurers, and AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), one of the largest primary and specialty care practices in the New York area, hosted a virtual discussion on Black maternal health. The online seminar discussed advocating for yourself, supporting loved ones, and clinical risk factors to be aware of, especially for Black women and other women of color.

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages shared opening remarks to start off the webinar. Nicole Brown Jones, EmblemHealth’s Director of Operations Quality and Learning led the discussion with a panel of maternal health experts from various backgrounds including Dr. Michele Germain, board-certified OB/GYN at ACPNY, and Jaqueline Prince-Espinosa, EmblemHealth’s Assistant Vice President of Medicaid Product Strategy.

“Addressing inequalities that affect health outcomes, especially reproductive health for Black and Brown women, is fundamental to ensuring all women have access to the resources they need before, during, and after their reproductive journey,” said Dr. Diane Ashton, Medical Director at EmblemHealth. “Educational resources like this webinar are one of the many ways EmblemHealth is contributing to the continued improvement of Black maternal health across New York City.”

"For birthing people across New York City, particularly Black women, maternal health is a matter of life and death," said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. "Each loss represents a mother, a family, and a community devastated by preventable trauma and pain. There is still much more work to be done, but I am hopeful that through continued public education and discussions, we will galvanize the support to enact the necessary investments and reforms at all levels of government. Thank you to EmblemHealth for hosting this important webinar on Black Maternal Health."

“Systematic racism, implicit bias, lack of affordable childcare, and barriers to other essential services are a few of the many significant factors fueling disparities in maternal healthcare among Black women,” said Michaelle Solages, New York State Assemblywoman, District 22. “I’m proud to stand with EmblemHealth in support of prioritizing and amplifying the voices of Black women - helping to ensure that they have joy and health in birth.”

EmblemHealth and AdvantageCare Physicians have resources to get women the information, coverage, and equipment they need on their reproductive journey. Resources include:

• EmblemHealth’s women's health resources page, which includes a new self-advocacy checklist on pregnancy, labor, and delivery- to help guide individuals through their journey.
• Find an in-network and specialty care provider at AdvantageCare Physicians - call: 646-680-4227 to make an appointment
• Consider a fertility consultation with Kindbody.

In addition to the maternal health resources provided, EmblemHealth is attending community events to help get individuals who live and work in New York enrolled in health Insurance. Through the fall, eligible individuals and families can visit EmblemHealth in the community at our purple table to get covered. Click here to find an upcoming event near you. In addition to attending a purple table event, there are other ways to sign up or learn more about the Essential Plan. Interested individuals can make an in-person appointment at one of our locations or call 888-447-1731 to speak to one of our team members.

Watch EmblemHealth’s Black Maternal Health: Education and Advocacy Webinar below. 

Note: Any information provided during this session is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your health care provider. If you have any concerns about your health, please contact your health care provider's office. This information provided during this session is not intended to imply that services or treatments described in the information are covered benefits under your plan.