Analysis of Postpartum Uptake of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives Before and After Implementation of Medicaid Reimbursement Policy.

OBJECTIVES

The postpartum period is a time of high unmet contraception need. Providing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), particularly in the immediate postpartum period, is one strategy to meet contraceptive needs. This practice may also prevent unintended and short interpregnancy interval pregnancies. In recent years, state Medicaid programs have implemented reimbursement policies for LARC use in the inpatient setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the uptake of inpatient postpartum LARCs at a large urban hospital with a sizable Medicaid population, before and after policy implementation.

METHODS

Using billing records from January 2015 and December 2017, we extracted data on patient demographics and LARC uptake before Medicaid policy change (2015) and after policy change (2016 and 2017). Implant and intrauterine device insertions were classified as inpatient postpartum (0-7 days after birth), outpatient postpartum (1-8 weeks after) or interval (9+ weeks after).

RESULTS

In the 3-year study period, 2091 LARC insertions occurred, of which 700 (33.5%) were inpatient postpartum, 429 (20.5%) outpatient postpartum, and 962 (46.0%) interval. After policy implementation, inpatient postpartum LARC insertions increased from 2.6 per 100 deliveries to 16.8 per 100 deliveries. Significant differences in uptake were seen in Black and Hispanic populations. The number of outpatient postpartum LARCs remained stable and tubal sterilizations decreased.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

Implementation of reimbursement policies contributed to a sharp uptake of inpatient postpartum LARCs. Improved access to effective, reversible contraception could reduce the number of unplanned and short interpregnancy interval pregnancies, ultimately lowering rates of maternal morbidity and mortality.