POF 03
CalAIM Population of Focus
Birth Equity (High-Risk Pregnancy). Black mothers are 3–4× more likely to die from pregnancy in California. We are here to change that math.
About this POF
CalAIM's Birth Equity Population of Focus targets pregnant and postpartum members most at risk of severe maternal morbidity — with Enhanced Care Management, doula services (a covered Medi-Cal benefit as of 2023), and Community Supports layered on top of standard obstetric care.
Who qualifies
- Pregnant or postpartum Medi-Cal members (through 12 months postpartum)
- Black, Indigenous, and Pacific Islander birthing people (elevated maternal morbidity risk)
- History of preterm birth, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or severe maternal morbidity
- Perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, SUD in pregnancy, or intimate-partner violence exposure
- Housing insecurity, food insecurity, or lack of stable transportation to prenatal care
What we do
The full CalAIM toolkit — pointed at one population.
- 01
Medi-Cal doula benefit
Culturally- and language-matched doula support across pregnancy, labor, and up to 9 postpartum visits — a covered Medi-Cal benefit we help members access without cost or paperwork friction.
- 02
Perinatal Enhanced Care Management
A named Lead Care Manager coordinates OB, MFM, behavioral health, WIC, and social supports so the member isn't the general contractor on her own pregnancy.
- 03
Home-visiting & lactation
Postpartum home visits, IBCLC-supported lactation, newborn safe-sleep education, and screening for postpartum depression at 2, 6, and 12 weeks.
- 04
Housing & nutrition Community Supports
Housing deposit and tenancy sustaining for pregnant members facing eviction; medically-tailored meals for gestational diabetes and preeclampsia; sobering / recuperative care when needed.
- 05
Perinatal behavioral health
Screening and warm handoff to perinatal psychiatry, SUD treatment (pregnancy-compatible MAT), and IPV / trauma-informed counseling.
The stakes
Why concentrating care here matters.
- 3–4×
- Higher maternal mortality for Black birthing people in California
- 1 in 7
- Birthing people experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder
- 12 mo
- Postpartum Medi-Cal coverage window (extended in 2022)
Source · California Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (CA-PAMR)
Source · ACOG / Postpartum Support International
Source · DHCS Postpartum Coverage Extension
Refer a member
OB and MFM practices, FQHCs, WIC offices, doulas, hospital L&D units, and pregnant members themselves can refer at any point in pregnancy or the 12-month postpartum window.
For members & families
Enroll yourself or a loved one — we'll walk you through every step, in your language, at your pace.
Other populations of focus