Becker's Healthcare March 3, 2025
On average, Black and Hispanic patients pay 17.7% and 12.9% more, respectively, in out-of-pocket costs for maternal care compared to white patients, according to a study published Feb. 28.
In an analysis of 76,826 patients covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, researchers studied the costs of 87,253 maternity episodes, defined as pregnancy, delivery and 42 days postpartum. The data spanned 2018 through 2022.
Here are five findings, which were published in JAMA Health Forum:
1. The mean out-of-pocket spending throughout maternity care was $2,398, $2,300, $2,202 and $2,036 for Black, Hispanic, Asian and white patients, respectively.
2. These disparities in expenses were much more pronounced for prenatal care, including...
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