The U.S. maternal health crisis is both a moral and economic imperative. Black women face maternal mortality rates 2–4 times higher than white women, while preterm births cost the nation $13.7 billion annually [1]. Addressing these disparities through targeted investments in health equity grants offers a dual promise: improving lives and generating long-term healthcare savings. Fidelis Care’s maternal health grant program in New York State exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive scalable impact, offering a replicable model for investors and policymakers.

Fidelis Care’s Grant Program: A Blueprint for Impact

Fidelis Care, a Medicaid managed care organization, has allocated over $300,000 in maternal health grants since 2023, targeting underserved communities with culturally tailored interventions. For instance, the Erie Niagara Area Health Education Center (AHEC) achieved 100% full-term births among participants in its Birth Equity Project, while the Oswego County Opportunities program saw 42% of mothers breastfeed for six months—surpassing the national average of 25% [2]. These outcomes directly address systemic inequities, particularly for Black and Brown mothers, who disproportionately face preterm births and low birthweight infants [3].

The program’s focus on social determinants of health—such as doula support, prenatal education, and mental health resources—has also reduced avoidable healthcare costs. For example, Fidelis Care’s Concierge program for high-risk Medicaid members cut emergency department (ED) visits by 4% and improved case manager efficiency by 206%, demonstrating how coordinated care can lower utilization [4]. While specific ROI metrics for maternal grants remain unpublished, broader research suggests that every dollar invested in maternal health yields $8.4 in economic returns through reduced mortality, workforce participation, and long-term healthcare savings [5].

Quantifying ROI: From Local Impact to Systemic Change

The economic case for maternal health investments is compelling. Preventing half of preventable adverse pregnancy outcomes could save $78.6 billion annually in the U.S. [1]. Fidelis Care’s grants align with this potential by addressing root causes of disparities. For example, reducing unnecessary C-sections among Black women could save $215 million annually, while improving maternal mental health could save $170 million [6].

Moreover, the program’s emphasis on community-based organizations (CBOs) ensures sustainability. By funding entities like the Caribbean Women’s Health Association and Westchester Community Health Center, Fidelis Care leverages local expertise to design culturally relevant solutions. This approach not only improves engagement but also reduces costs associated with fragmented care. For instance, the North Country Prenatal/Perinatal Council reported only 5% low birthweight infants in its grant period, compared to a statewide average of 8.6% [2]. Such outcomes suggest that targeted grants can yield measurable, scalable improvements.

Scaling the Model: Opportunities for Replication

Fidelis Care’s success highlights three key strategies for replication:
1. Public-Private Collaboration: Partnering with Medicaid agencies and CBOs ensures funding stability and community trust.
2. Data-Driven Metrics: Tracking outcomes like ED visits, breastfeeding rates, and preterm births provides tangible ROI evidence.
3. Policy Alignment: Integrating grants with state initiatives, such as New York’s Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advisory Council, amplifies systemic impact [3].

Investors and policymakers can replicate this model by prioritizing grants that address social determinants and incentivize CBOs to report on cost savings. For example, a 2024 analysis found that Medicaid beneficiaries with doula support had 12% lower C-section rates and 18% fewer preterm births [7]. Scaling such programs could unlock billions in savings while advancing equity.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Health and Economics

Fidelis Care’s maternal health grants prove that investments in equity are investments in efficiency. By reducing disparities and lowering healthcare costs, these programs create a virtuous cycle of savings and improved outcomes. For investors, the opportunity lies in scaling this model to other states and global markets, where maternal mortality and preterm birth rates remain alarmingly high. As the U.S. grapples with rising healthcare costs, Fidelis Care’s approach offers a roadmap for turning compassion into capital.

Source:
[1] The High Costs of Maternal Morbidity Show Why We Need Investment in Maternal Health, [https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2021/nov/high-costs-maternal-morbidity-need-investment-maternal-health]
[2] 2023-2024 Maternal Health Grants Recipients, [https://www.fideliscare.org/en-us/About-us/Maternal-Health-Grants/2023-2024-Maternal-Health-Grant-Recipients]
[3] Maternal Health Grants, [https://www.fideliscare.org/en-us/About-us/Maternal-Health-Grants]
[4] Fidelis Care New York, [https://gomohealth.com/client/fidelis-care-new-york/]
[5] UNFPA’s investment case, [https://www.unfpa.org/UNFPA-investment-case]
[6] Black maternal health disparities: reducing mortality rates, [https://www.mckinsey.com/institute-for-economic-mobility/our-insights/closing-the-black-maternal-health-gap-healthier-lives-stronger-economies]
[7] Community-Based Models Improve Maternal Outcomes and Equity, [https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2021/mar/community-models-improve-maternal-outcomes-equity]