Increasing Access to Postpartum Mental Health Care via Telehealth: Evidence from Medicaid Coverage of Mental Health Services in Massachusetts

Postpartum mental illness impacts 1-in-5 in women who give birth. Prior to the pandemic, Massachusetts Medicaid began reimbursing telehealth behavioral health services at parity with in-person visits. This study will investigate the impact of this policy change on overall use of postpartum mental health services, differences among rural and non-rural areas, and mental health outcomes. Findings will inform the development of policies in other states that aim to improve perinatal mental health.